d patent reefing topsails--"the royal and
topgallant yards and topgallant masts sent down on deck, as well as the
studding sails out of the tops; and that extra lashings be put upon the
boats and booms. Then I have no doubt we shall ride out whatever may
come with reasonable comfort and safety. And when it comes, I would
heave the ship to with her close-reefed fore topsail aback; also I would
have a small tarpaulin ready to lash in the weather mizen rigging in
case the topsails should blow away. Finally, I would direct Mackenzie
to see that his engine is all ready for starting at a moment's notice,
if need be."

"Sakes alive!" exclaimed Mrs Vansittart, "do you really believe it's
going to be so bad as all that?"

"I certainly think it not at all improbable, madam," I said.

"Then I guess we'll do as you say," exclaimed the lady. "It's the right
thing to err on the safe side, and I won't take any chances. But it
will be bad for the men to have to work in this darkness. When does the
moon rise?"

"She is due to rise at about eight forty-five to-night," I said. "But I
am afraid it will be useless for us to look for any help from her; we
shall get no light from her to-night."

"You think not?" she said. "Then--ah! there is four bells," as Briscoe,
having descended to the main-deck, came up on the poop and struck the
bell. "Let the men get to work at once, Mr Kennedy, both watches, and
see that Mr Leigh's suggestions are carried out. And, say, I guess I
won't risk having the topsails blown away; we'll furl everything while
we're about it; and if the hurricane comes we'll heave to under bare
poles. How will that do, Mr Leigh?"

"Admirably, madam," I replied. "You will then have done everything
possible to provide for the safety of the ship; and when the blow comes,
as I feel sure it will, there will be no need to risk the lives of any
of the crew."

The necessary orders were at once given, and we all repaired to our
several stations. My duty was to supervise operations on the mizenmast,
Kennedy having charge of the men working upon the mainmast, and Briscoe
supervising those upon the foremast, and when I went aft I found Miss
Anthea and her brother seated in a couple of basket chairs by the
taffrail. It was necessary for me to stand quite close to them for a
few minutes; and I had no sooner taken up my position than I heard the
boy say to his sister, in tones loud enough to reach my ears:

"Say, 'Thea,