was a berth for the Spray at the arsenal. This was around at the new mole. I had anchored at the old mole, among the native craft, where it was rough and uncomfortable. Of course I was glad to shift, and did so as soon as possible, thinking of the great company the Spray would be in among battleships such as the Collingwood , Balfleur , and Cormorant , which were at that time stationed there, and on board all of which I was entertained, later, most royally.
“ ‘Put it thar!’ as the Americans say,” was the salute I got from Admiral Bruce, when I called at the admiralty to thank him for his courtesy of the berth, and for the use of the steam-launch which towed me into dock. “About the berth, it is all right if it suits, and we’ll tow you out when you are ready to go. But, say, what repairs do you want? Ahoy the Hebe , can you spare your sailmaker? The Spray wants a new jib. Construction and repair, there! will you see to the Spray ? Say, old man, you must have knocked the devil out of her coming over alone in twenty-nine days! But we’ll make it smooth for you here!” Not even her Majesty’s ship the Collingwood was