THE WORLD'S WONDERS. 627 



was met by the North Atlantic squadron of United States men-of- 

 war, with Secretary Chandler on board the flag-ship Tennessee. 

 What a scene, as the noble weather-beaten ships, moving as if 

 instinct with life, and bearing home the six living and the twelve 

 dead heroes, steamed slowly around old Fort Constitution and 

 dropped anchor in the harbor. The grim men-of-war, drawn up 

 to greet them, displayed all their bunting ; their decks were alive 

 with officers in gold lace ; their yards were manned by gallant 

 tars who cheered right lustily, and their guns roared deep-mouthed 

 welcome, while the strains of the familiar old melody, "Home 

 Again," played by the band of the Tennessee, brought tears to 

 many eyes. And then Trhat greetings, what embraces, what 

 fervent " God bless yous," and what deep, undemonstrative joy ! 

 Secretary Chandler gathered the commanding officers of the 

 relief squadron around him in the cabin of the flag-ship, while 

 Commander Schley arranged for the long-looked-for mectjns: 

 of Lieutenant Greely and his wife. It was a dramatic scene of 

 pathos and joy. Mrs. Greely had but just arrived in Portsmouth, 

 and had been at once taken on board the Thetis, where her hus- 

 band was. Lieutenant Greely had not been informed that his 

 wife was about to come on board, and a few moments before her 

 arrival, in conversation with Commander Schley, the hero said 

 he did not expect to see her, as she probably had not been able 

 to reach there so soon. When the Secretary's barge was seen to 

 leave the Tennessee, with Mrs. Greely and her two brothers, 

 Messrs. G. O. and C. A. Nesmith, sitting in the stern sheets, 

 Commander Schley said to Lieutenant Greely: "Lieutenant, I 

 would like to see you in my own cabin for a few moments." 

 This was to engage Lieutenant Greely's attention until a peculiar 

 signal given on the boatswain's whistle indicated that Mrs. 

 Greely was on board. With trembling steps she descended to 

 the cabin door, and just at the instant she entered Commander 

 Schley left the room, leaving the long-separated couple alone. 

 Lieutenant Greely was sitting with his back to the door, but when 

 Commander Schley so abruptly left him, he turned, and at the 

 same instant saw his wife enter. There was one wild exclamation 



