"Let off the cable a couple of notches, so that the anchor will not break out.

Make fast to the bitts, French, but don't foul it with the towline." "We are all right now," said Graines, as he moved aft from the heel of the bowsprit.
"What time is it now ?" asked the lieutenant.

"Bring that lantern forward, Lines." "Ten minutes of three," replied the engineer, holding his watch up to the light.
"The fog is settling down again, and I have no doubt the captain of the steamer will get under way at about the hour named," said Christy, putting his hand on the wire towline, and giving it a shake, to assure himself that it was all clear.

"Now, Mr.Graines, or rather, Mr.Balker, as you are the mate and I am only the second mate, I think you had better go aft and see that all goes well there." "Very well, Mr.Sandman; I will leave you in charge of the forecastle," replied the engineer, with a light laugh; but they had been boys together, and understood each other perfectly.
"Captain Sullendine is the only dangerous man on board, and I think you had better look after him," added Christy.

"If there is any lock on the door of his stateroom, it would be well to turn the key." "I will look after him at once, sir," answered Graines, as he leaped upon the cotton bales and made his way to the quarter-deck.
On the way he examined the condition of Sopsy, and found him snoring like a roaring lion, in an uneasy position.