It was a beautiful morning, in the month of July, when a crowd of
boys assembled on the wharf of Grand Pre. The tide was high, the
turbid waters of Mud Creek flowed around, a fresh breeze blew, and
if any craft was going to sea she could not have found a better
time. The crowd consisted chiefly of boys, though a few men were
mingled with them. These boys were from Grand Pre School, and are
all old acquaintances. There was the stalwart frame of Bruce, the
Roman face of Arthur, the bright eyes of Bart, the slender frame of
Phil, and the earnest glance of Tom. There, too, was Pat's merry
smile, and the stolid look of Bogud, and the meditative solemnity
of Jiggins, not to speak of others whose names need not be
mentioned. Amid the crowd the face of Captain Corbet was
conspicuous, and the dark visage of Solomon, while that of the
mate was distinguishable in the distance. To all these the good
schooner Antelope formed the centre of attraction, and also of
action. It was on board of her that the chief bustle took place,
and towards her that all eyes were turned.

The good schooner Antelope had made several voyages during the past
few months, and now presented herself to the eye of the spectator
not much changed from her former self. A fine fresh coat of coal
tar had but recently ornamented her fair exterior, while a coat of
whitewash inside the hold had done much to drive away the odor of
the fragrant potato. Rigging and sails had been repaired as well
as circumstances would permit, and in the opinion of her gallant
captain she was eminently seaworthy.

On the present occasion things bore the appearance of a voyage.
Trunks were passed on board and put below, together with coats,