"See, Tom, the day is breaking fast, and there is Rouse's Point well on our lee. If the wind holds, we shall not have the slightest difficulty in passing it on this tack. And now, as we are going to make a long leg, we will let Bob go below and get breakfast ready. Do you think you can eat any thing, Tom?"
"Yes, uncle, I think I can; but this is just splendid. But tell, me, why do you trim down the jib again on the same side, after letting it go? Would not the yacht come about without it?"
"Yes, she would," replied Capt. Coffin, "easily; but I wanted you to see how a craft should be put about in a seamanlike manner, and how she would have to be put about in heavy weather. It is well to know how to do a thing well, and what will be necessary in times of emergency."
"Thank you, uncle: I shall remember. Is it not a lovely morning, and how nicely we are slipping along! I think I could eat a piece of whale's blubber, I am so hungry."
"Are you, Tom? Well, so am I. But here comes Bob up the companion-way, to say that breakfast is ready.
"Now, Bob, keep her full and by; and, if she breaks off any, call me at once, for we shall have to go about again.
"Let's get below, Tom, and get our breakfast; for I must not be long below till we get well outside.
"Is this not a snug little cabin? and haven't I got things handy around me? I like to have things where I can put my hand upon them quickly.
"If you have finished, we will go on deck again.
"Well, Bob, has she held her course?"