The men tilted the box in which the line was secured, so that it might run out freely.  The officer now fired; and the rocket, rising in the air, made a grand curve of light, which we watched with intense interest until we saw it fall completely over the vessel.  We had now to ascertain whether the men on board had secured it.  No signal came, and of course we could not venture to haul in on the line, lest we might draw it back.