"I stopped up to wait for the wind." "Ah, I'm afraid you'll have to wait longer," he replied.

"This'll be nothing but a tropical thunder-storm, and probably we won't have the ghost of a breeze after it has gone over." "I think differently, sir, begging your pardon," said Jackson, interposing at this point; "and, if you don't mind, Mr Marline, I'd like to have the lighter sails taken off her, in case it comes on to blow." "All right, please yourself, my dear sir; you're in charge of the deck," answered the first mate drily.

"Though, mind you, I think you're giving yourself trouble for nothing.

I wouldn't, however, call the captain till we really know whether we're going to have a squall or not." "Very well, sir," said Jackson, "I won't call him; but I'll have the upper canvas in, for it's just as well to be on the safe side, especially as I do think we're in for something." "With all my heart," replied Mr Marline cheerfully, seeing that Jackson was timid about exercising his new authority against his opinion, although he appeared to feel strongly in the matter.

"Have in the rags by all means.