"Falcon," continued he, "if she breaks
off again we may have no room to wear; indeed, there is so little room
now, that I must run the risk. Which cable was ranged last night--the
best bower?"
"Yes, sir."
"Jump down, then, and see it double-bitted and stoppered at thirty
fathoms. See it well done--our lives may depend upon it."
The ship continued to hold her course good; and we were within half a
mile of the point, and fully expected to weather it, when again the wet
and heavy sails flapped in the wind, and the ship broke off two points
as before. The officers and seamen were aghast, for the ship's head
was right on to the breakers. "Luff now, all you can, quartermaster,"
cried the captain. "Send the men aft directly. My lads, there is no
time for words--I am going to _club-haul_ the ship, for there is no
room to wear. The only chance you have of safety is to be cool, watch
my eye, and execute my orders with precision. Away to your stations
for tacking ship. Hands by the best bower anchor. Mr. Wilson, attend
below with the carpenter and his mates, ready to cut away the cable at
the moment that I give the order. Silence there, fore and aft.
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