Being clear of the point, the breeze became stiff, and the royal-masts bent under our sails, but we would not take them in until we saw three boys spring into the rigging of the _California_; then they were all furled at once, but with orders to our boys to stay aloft at the top-gallant mast-heads and loose them again at the word.

It was my duty to furl the fore-royal; and while standing by to loose it again, I had a fine view of the scene.

From where I stood, the two vessels seemed nothing but spars and sails, while their narrow decks, far below, slanting over by the force of the wind aloft, appeared hardly capable of supporting the great fabrics raised upon them.

The _California_ was to windward of us, and had every advantage; yet, while the breeze was stiff we held our own.

As soon as it began to slacken she ranged a little ahead, and the order was given to loose the royals.