He then gave the order, "_Crew at ease_," and let the boys rest themselves and enjoy conversation.
While they were resting, Forester paddled them about.

The boys asked him when he was going to let them row, and Forester told them that perhaps they had had drilling enough for one day, and if they chose he would not require any thing more of them, but would paddle them about and let them amuse themselves.

But they were all eager to learn to row.

So Forester consented.
He taught them the use of the oar, in the same slow and cautious manner by which his preceding instructions had been characterized.

He made one learn at a time, explaining to him minutely every motion.