Then, holding it far out, he looked down for
further orders.
"Shall he let her go, Master Dwight?" said the captain. "It's your
kite to command. Here's the twine, and hang tight, if he does, for
'twill give you a strong pull."
"Yes, let her fly!" cried Dwight, excitedly, bracing himself and gazing
upwards.
The little Indian waited for a favorable instant, then with a prolonged
"Hi-yi!" that drew the attention of all on board, gave it a light toss
to leeward, which sent it off like a bird, indeed. Luckily, it had not
been torn by its temporary delay, and now, caught aft by the wind, it
sailed up and away with a force that fairly dragged Dwight across the
deck until, laughing heartily, the captain eased him by a grasp on the
twine, until he could "get another cinch," as the lad explained, and
pay it out more rapidly.
It really made a beautiful appearance against the blue sky, with its
gay colors and extended wings, and Loo Wing clapped his hands in
delight, while the passengers cheered lustily. They watched it till it
was a mere speck in the canopy, and Dwight greatly amused the little
ones by sending up "letters," or bits of white paper, on the twine.
But after an hour or two of this fun, the captain sang out,
"Better tie your bird to the taffrail and take a look for'ards pretty
soon. 'Twill pay for the trouble."
They acted upon his advice, making a rush for the forward deck, and saw
that it was well worth a longer journey than from end to end of a great
steamer.
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