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, —
- Now, Hercules ; a good strong pull ! "
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 ;
- you will hâve the mast down/*
" 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.
- Now,'* said he; "we must look to the main- mast; but
take care. Hercules, not to hâve it down."
- I will be as careful as possible, Mr. Dick," submissîvely
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
