k of weathering them
during the hours of darkness. The skipper, it was evident, was all for
grappling with the nearest danger, for the reason that we should at
least have light enough to see what we were doing; and Mr Howard seemed
to side with him.

"But, sir," remonstrated the master desperately, "have you considered
what must inevitably happen if a flaw of wind should come round that
point, at the critical moment, and break us off, as it is likely enough
to do?"

"Well, n-o," answered the Captain slowly, "I had not thought of that, I
must confess, for I do not believe that such a thing is at all likely to
happen. But I am very much obliged to you for mentioning it, Mr
Trimble, for `forewarned is forearmed,' and in circumstances like the
present it is our bounden duty to take every possible precaution for the
safety of the ship. I am still of opinion that unless something
unforeseen--such, for instance, as the occurrence which you have just
suggested--should happen, we shall weather the point, and go clear; but,
to provide against anything of that sort, Mr Howard," turning to the
first luff, "be good enough to see everything ready for club-hauling the
ship. Have the best bower-cable ranged, double-bitt it, and stopper it
at, say, thirty fathoms. Mr Galway--where is Mr Galway? Mr
Delamere, be good enough to find Mr Galway, and say I want him--or--no,
tell him that it may be necessary to club-haul the ship, and request him
to muster the carpenter and his mates below, ready to cut away the best
bower at the instant that I give the word. Then come back to me; I may
want you."

"Ay, ay, sir," I answered, touching my hat; and away I went, heading for
the second lieutenant's cabin. I met him just coming out, somebody
having already passed the word that the Captain wanted him. I delivered
the skipper's message, received his assurance that all should be ready,
and then returned to the quarter-deck.

Presently Mr Howard returned to inform Captain Vavassour that his
orders had been carried out.

"Very well, sir," answered the skipper. "Let the men go to their
stations for tacking ship. Hands by the best bower-anchor! Oblige me,
Mr Howard, by seeing personally that the anchor is all ready for
letting go, and also that it is let go on the instant, should I give the
order. If at the last moment it should become necessary to club-haul, I
will personally take charge. Mr Delamere, find one of the boatswain's
mates