Captain Breaker went to the pilot-house, looked at the barometer, and then directed Mr.Dashington to crowd on all sail, for he intended to drive the vessel to her utmost capacity.
The Bellevite was rigged as a barkantine; that is, she was square-rigged on her foremast, like a ship, while her main and mizzen masts carried only fore-and-aft sails, including gaff-topsails.

The shrill pipe of the boatswain immediately sounded through the vessel, and twenty-four able seamen dashed to their stations.

In a few minutes, every rag of canvas which the steamer could carry was set.

But the commander did not wait for this to be done, but hastened to join the owner.
"I suppose you don't want me, sir," said Christy, as his father led the way into the cabin.
"On the contrary, I do want you, Christy," replied Captain Passford, as he halted, and the commander passed him on his way to the cabin.

"I wish you to understand as well as I do myself what we are going to do." "I shall be very glad to know more about it," added Christy, pleased with the confidence his father reposed in him in connection with the serious undertaking before him.
"In the work I have to do, you stand nearer to me than any other person on board," continued Captain Passford.