to the deck, therefore, he ordered all hands to stand by
the jib sheet while he took the helm himself. His directions were so
skilfully given, and so well obeyed, that the Flyaway came about as
handsomely as though Captain Gordon himself had controlled the
manoeuvre. Her course was laid exactly east, and the compass was
placed in a convenient position for use.

Dick now summoned the crew to supper. Several of them looked at Paul,
but no one ventured to leave the post of duty till explicit orders had
been given to that effect. Half the boys were permitted to "pipe to
supper," while the other half were to remain on duty.

After the meal was disposed of, Paul gave the helm to Tom, and went
forward to make his arrangement for the night. The foresail was reefed
in readiness for use in case it should blow too hard for the vessel to
carry the jib and mainsail; the fore hatch was carefully secured to
guard against the peril of "shipping a sea;" and such other preparations
were made as the occasion required.

On his return to the standing room, Paul found that Tom could not steer
by compass, and he was obliged to take the helm himself. Among the
appointments of the Fawn, there was a compass; and Paul, more for the
purpose of familiarizing himself with its use than from any necessity
had often steered by it. The knowledge which the youthful mariner had
thus gained was now invaluable to him, and he was thankful that he had
obtained it.

A long and tedious night was before him, even though the perils of a
gale should not be added to his present trials. The steward, at his
request, brought him up an oil-cloth coat belonging to Captain Gordon,
and thus protected from the penetrating mist, he gave himself up to the
long and anxious watch before him.

Darkness came down upon them, and the Flyaway still rolled and pitched
in the heavy head-sea. The wind did not sensibly increase, and Paul
dared to hope that the gale would not break upon them. At nine o'clock
he bade half the boys go below and turn in, assuring them they would be
called at one o'clock. The order was obeyed, but not one of the boys
could sleep until nearly half of their watch below had expired.

Hour after hour Paul kept his position at the helm, till the clock in
the cabin indicated midnight. The watch on deck had taken turns at the
lookout on the bowsprit. No event had occurred to disturb the monotony
of the scene, except that they narrowly escaped being run down