Page:Dick Sands the Boy Captain.djvu/127

 THE NEW CREW. lOI him to get straight beforethe wînd Dick wanted to increase hîs sail, and was desirous of hoisting the top-gallant, the royal, the main-top-saîl, and the stay-sails. He was hîmself standing at the wheel. " Now, my raen/' he shouted to the negroes ; " I want your help. Do exactly as I tell you, Bear away, Tom!" Tom looked puzzled. " Bear away ! unfasten that rope, I mean. And, Bat, corne along ; do the same as Tom." The men did what they were bidden. "That's right ! " continued Dick, and calling to Hercules, saîd, — To give such a direction to Hercules was somewhat imprudent ; the rigging creaked again under his giant strength. " Gently, gently, my good fellow! " saîd Dick, laughing ; " I déclare I hardly touched the rope," answered Hercules. " Well, next time, you must only prétend to touch it," saîd Dick ; and, continuing his orders, shouted, " Now slacken ! let fly ! make fast ! now brace in the yards ! ail right ! that's capital ! " The yards were loosened, the foresails turned slowly round, and, catching the breeze, gave a slight impetus to the . ship. Dick's next orders were for the jib-sheets to be set free, and then he called the men to the stern. take care. Hercules, not to hâve it down." replied Hercules, as though he were afraid to commit hîmself to any rash promise. The manœuvre was simple enough. The niain-sheet was gradually slackened, the great sail took the wind and added its powerful action to that of the fore-sails. The main-top-sail was next brought to bear; it was only clewed yp, so that there was nothing to do except to pull
 * Now, Hercules ; a good strong pull ! "
 * you will hâve the mast down/*
 * Now,'* said he; "we must look to the main- mast; but
 * I will be as careful as possible, Mr. Dick," submissîvely