At this time, the harbour was full of sailing-ships of all nations, and as the “Raleigh” came near and threaded her way among them, the crews of the various ships became interested.  When the “Raleigh” came near to her anchorage, the order was quietly passed, and then, as if by magic, in came all studding-sails; then, in the same manner, all plain sails; after that “Let go the anchor,” and a running moor was made.  Then came cheers from every sailor who had witnessed the maneuvre, cheers that could be heard all over Hongkong as it was then.

Well, sir, the Admiral was not pleased with this piece of skill in seamanship, and for coming through a crowded harbour under all sail.  The “Raleigh” was ordered out for a twenty-four hours’ cruise, and to come in in a shipshape way the next time.  Well, she went out again, and as she came in past Green Island, she had all sail as before, and when nearing the shipping, greatly to the astonishment of every one, in came all plain sail and furled, leaving only the studding-sails; and under these she went through the shipping to her anchorage, and then, “In all studding-sails,” and a running moor was made as before.  And, if possible, the cheers were more vehement than before.

Now, sir, what do you think was the effect?  Why, nearly half the sailors in the merchant ships wanted to join the “Raleigh.”  They could not be accommodated, but many were engaged and put on board the “Sibyl.”

It may also be remembered that when the “Raleigh” struck a rock near Macao, a French man-of-war was in sight.  The French flag was hoisted and saluted by the “Raleigh.”  After the salute, the order was given to abandon ship, and all this was done with as much coolness as if going to a church parade.

A Singular Meeting.

A few years ago I had with me as chief mate a man who had left his home when quite a boy to come to China.  After arrival in Shanghai, he got a position as quartermaster, and worked his way up to chief mate.

After about eighteen years’ absence from his home, an older brother of his came to Shanghai in command of a sailing-ship, and the two brothers met.  The captain and I were introduced to each other, and I invited him to spend all the time he could with his young brother on board the steamer.  Later the captain asked me to use my influence to get his brother to go home with him to see his mother, who was a very old lady, and always yearning to see her child “Sam.”

After some trouble, I persuaded him, as a matter of duty, to go home, and obtained for him a year’s leave of absence.  He left Shanghai in his brother’s ship, and went to Iloilo, where the vessel loaded and sailed for America.  When the vessel was well on her way towards the Cape of Good Hope, they had one very calm day, and a short distance from them was another vessel showing the American flag.  The two brothers agreed to have a boat lowered and to pull over to the stranger for a short visit.  This was done, and to their great surprise, when they got on board, they found that the captain was their own older brother.