The wind had come out of the south-west, and our
leeway was setting us down upon the land. Captain West gave orders
to the mate to stand by to wear ship. Both watches had been taking
in sail, so that both watches were on deck for the manoeuvre.
It was astounding, the big sea that had arisen in so short a time.
The wind was blowing a gale that ever, in recurring gusts, increased
upon itself. Nothing was visible a hundred yards away. The day had
become black-gray. In the cabin lamps were burning. The view from
the poop, along the length of the great labouring ship, was
magnificent. Seas burst and surged across her weather-rail and kept
her deck half filled, despite the spouting ports and gushing
scuppers.
On each of the two houses and on the poop the ship's complement, all
in oilskins, was in groups. For'ard, Mr. Mellaire had charge. Mr.
Pike took charge of the 'midship-house and the poop. Captain West
strolled up and down, saw everything, said nothing; for it was the
mate's affair.
When Mr. Pike ordered the wheel hard up, he slacked off all the
mizzen-yards, and followed it with a partial slacking of the main-
yards, so that the after-pressures were eased.
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