Three masts,--yes, that must be it,--and the gilt figure-head of Hercules.

To be sure it had a three-pronged pitchfork in its hand instead of a club; but that might be my uncle's mistake; or perhaps Hercules sometimes varied his weapons.

'Cast off!' roared a voice from the quarter-deck.

'Hold on!' cried I, rushing frantically through the crowd.

'Hold on! hold on!' repeated some of the bystanders, while the men at the ropes delayed for a minute.