Smith took a deep breath as he stood on Maid of Kent’s deck. It was a massive step from serving before the mast to commanding a ship, especially with an untried crew. He stamped his feet, lifted his chin, and smiled.
Maid of Kent’sAct the captain, and men will follow.
Act the captain, and men will follow.“Are we all ready, Mr Hargreaves?”
“Ready, sir,” Hargreaves replied.
“Let go aft!” Smith ordered. “Let go forward!” He watched the cables snake away, and Maid was free of the land, feeling like a living creature under his command as he steered her out of the harbour into the fresh Channel breeze.
Maid“Let fall! Sheet home!”
Maid responded, lively with the wind.
Maid “Man the tops’l halliards! Tend the braces!” Men hurried to obey Smith’s commands as Maid eased outward and westward a
