When running before the wind the sheet was to be loose, while it was to be tightened as much as might be necessary to make the sail stand just full, when the wind was on the beam or forward of it.
"You will understand," he said, "that when the wind is right ahead you cannot sail against it.

You must then get the sail in as flat as you can, and sail as near as you can to the wind.

Then when you have gone some distance you must bring her head round, till the sail goes over on the other side; and sail on that tack, and so make a zigzag course: but if the wind should come dead ahead, I think your best course would be to lower the sail and row against it.

However, at present, with the wind from the east, you will be able to sail free on your proper course." Then he pushed the boat off.
"You had better put an oar out and get her head round," he said, "before hoisting the sail again.

Goodbye; bon voyage!" Since leaving the river, Terence had been sailing under his instructions and, as soon as the boat was under way again he said to his companion: "Here we are, free men again, Dicky." "I call it splendid, Terence.