CHAPTER XVII.

A WATER EXCURSION.

A sailing party—A damper—Permission 272 obtained—A struggle—Noble self-denial—Commendation—Planning a reward—The guests invited—Henry—The birthday present—The yacht—Starting—Collisions—Beating out—The steamship—Fine views—Life-preservers—Dodging the boom—A narrow escape—The cabin—The table—Berths—The cook-room—Castle Island—Homeward-bound ship—Long Island Light—Extra clothing—Dinner—Sudden departures from the table—The ocean—The screw steamer—George’s Island—Fort Warren—The sea wall—Landing—Entrance to the fort—The enclosure—Ascending the parapets—Cost of the fortress—Its entire command of the harbor—Places for the guns—Interior of the fortress—How the guns are worked—Rooms for the soldiers—Strength of the fortress—How it might be taken—A wish—The sail back—Defence of the “Echo”—An impudent schooner—The skipper’s disgust—A nautical insult—Landing,