Then you had best get them below, for we shall have the water sweeping knee deep along the waist, in no time.
"I should say send them down at once; but I know many of them have been to sea before, and may be useful in cutting away, if anything goes." "She looks snug enough, captain," the young officer said, glancing up at the diminished spread of canvas.
"She is snug enough for any ordinary gale," the captain said; "but this is not going to be an ordinary gale.

When we once get her before it, it will be all right.
"Do you think we have another five minutes, Mr.James ?" "There's no saying, sir; but I should think so.

What do you want, sir ?" "I want that top sail off her, altogether." "I will do it, sir," the mate said and, calling Bill Hardy and two others of the best sailors, he led the way up the main shrouds.
Every eye on deck was fixed on the four seamen as, rapidly but steadily, they proceeded to furl and stow the sail.

There was still not a breath of wind, but a low humming noise was heard.
"Quick, Mr.James, never mind the sail.

All hands on deck!" the captain shouted; but the work was just done, and the sailors ran quickly down the ratlines on to the deck.
"Thank God!" the captain said reverently, "that is done." The ship was now under the close-reefed fore-top sail, a diminutive try sail on the mizzen, and the jib.