The barges of the state kept coming alongside with stores and provisions from the arsenal; while other boats brought out the ship's stores; and Francis had to take a note of all that came on board.
The captain superintended the setting up of the rigging, and the getting of the ship into working order; while the under officers saw to the hoisting in and storing of the cargo.

Gangs of men were at work tarring the sides of the ship, for she had only two days before returned from a trip to Spain; and a number of sailors were unloading the cargo from one hatchway, while her fresh freight was being taken in at the other.
It seemed well nigh impossible that she could be ready to sail at the hour named, but everyone worked with a will, and by daybreak things were almost in order.

Polani himself came down to the port as soon as it was light, and expressed satisfaction at the work which had been done; and half an hour afterwards the anchor was weighed.
Just as the sails had been hoisted, Matteo arrived.
"You are only just in time, Matteo," Polani said.

"Why did you not come off yesterday and help ?" "I was out," Matteo said, "when your message came, and only returned just in time to go to the entertainment at the ducal palace.

I knew I could be of no use on board while they were only getting in the cargo." "You will never be of any use on board, Matteo, if you go to entertainments when there's work to be done.