Anyhow, except for my mother, I am not sorry I have made the trip in
the Belle Maire. I have seen a lot of life, and have had a rare
adventure; and I have learned so much of sailor's work, that if I am
ever driven to it I can work my way anywhere before the mast in
future."
Ralph went on board his own ship as soon as he had seen Jacques off,
and was soon hard at work assisting to hoist on board hogsheads of
sugar and other produce. He was startled by the sound of a heavy gun.
It was answered presently by all the ships of war in the harbor and by
the forts on shore, and for five minutes the heavy cannonade
continued. The captain, who had been on shore, crossed the gangway on
to the ship as the crew were gazing in surprise at the cannonade,
exchanging guesses as to its cause.
"I have great news, lads," he said. "Peace is proclaimed, and Napoleon
has surrendered, and is to be shut up in the Isle of Elba in the
Mediterranean. No more fear of privateers or French prisons."
The crew burst into a hearty cheer. This was indeed surprising news.
It was known that Wellington was gradually driving back the French
marshals in the south of France, and that the allies were marching
toward Paris. But Napoleon had been so long regarded as invincible,
that no one had really believed that his downfall was imminent.
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