The next day the Paramatta weighed anchor and proceeded down the river.

Reuben had no time to look at the passing ships, for he was fully occupied with the many odd jobs which are sure to present themselves, when a ship gets under weigh.

The wind was favourable, and the Paramatta ran down to the mouth of the Medway before the tide had ceased to ebb.

She anchored for three hours, and then made her way up to Chatham, where she brought up close to the government yard.
It was not till late in the evening that Reuben had finished his work, and was at liberty to look round, and to take an interest in what was going on on deck.
"This is your first voyage, my lad, I reckon," an old sailor, who was standing leaning against the bulwark, smoking his pipe, remarked.
"Yes," Reuben said cheerfully, "this is my first voyage.

I have shipped as carpenter, you know, to work my way out to Sydney." "You could not have chosen a better ship than this 'ere barkee," the sailor said; "though I wish she hadn't got them convicts on board.