THE LAYIXG OF THE ATLANTIC CABLE. 217 



ever witnessed was the heaving-up of the anchor, 

 each link of the chain attached weighing over seventy 

 pounds ; and nothing could give a better conception 

 of the size of the vessel than the power required in 

 performing that operation. Bound the capstan re- 

 volved sixty men, with a like number in each of the 

 two lower decks, whose combined efforts were un- 

 availing at times to stir the anchor, in spite of the 

 animated exhortations of Mr Halpin, the chief officer, 

 and the lively strains of a young fiddler, who, perched 

 on the capstan, played such music as sailors love to 

 hear. At the first sound, however, of the tune, 

 ." Slap bang, here we are again ! " the men made a 

 determined effort, and all joining in the lively chorus 

 heart and voice, they succeeded in overcoming the 

 resistance offered ; but it was not till after many 

 repetitions of the same invigorating air that the anchor 

 was finally brought up. 



Our progress was at first so painfully slow that 

 some grave doubts arose as to whether the vessel 

 could ever attain such a speed as six knots an hour. 

 During her course down Bullock Channel, and even 

 as far as Dover, so long as daylight lasted, ever and 

 anon an excursion steamer or sailing-boat came along- 

 side filled with passengers, who, in spite of the lan- 

 guor of sea- sickness, testified their good wishes for 

 our success by cheering with hearty goodwill. At 

 4.15 P.M. the Porcupine, having hoisted up a white- 

 flag at her mizzen bearing the words, "God speed 



