CHAPTER V.
The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths. A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide. The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings. The "Great Eastern," making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
The greater part of the passengers on the poop were
