There were no clouds in the sky, but the deep blue was dimmed by a sort of haze.
Presently, after a talk between the captain and the first officer, the latter gave the order, "All hands take in sail." The order had been expected, and the men at once swarmed up the rigging.

In a quarter of an hour all the upper sails were furled.

The light spars were then sent down to the deck.
"You may as well get the top-gallant sails off her, too, Mr.Green," the captain said to the first officer.

"It is as well to be prepared for the worst.

It is sure to blow pretty hard, when the change comes." The top-gallant sails were got in, and when the courses had been brailed up and secured, the hands were called down.