"Never be ashamed, Tom, of reefing early: it is a simple matter if undertaken in time; but, if neglected too long, is a difficult, and at times a dangerous job.
"In the first place, you and Bob get hold of that tender, and draw her up on the lee-side, and get her aboard forward, where she belongs, and lash her down. Don't get overboard!
"Be careful of the rail, Bob: don't chafe it. Now lash her down snug, and, as soon as you are ready, man the jib-halliards and down-haul. All ready?"
"Ay, ay, sir!"
"Then let go the jib-halliards. Down with it, Bob!—Lend a hand on the down-haul, Tom! There, that will do! Make fast!
"Stand by the throat and peak-halliards! lower away! That will do. Well of all. Belay! Come, lay aft here, and bowse out on this reef-pennant! That will do! Lay out on the boom, Bob, and pass this earing! All fast?"
"All fast, sir."
"Then come in and get another earing for the luff, Bob, and hurry up!
"That's the talk; make fast! Now tackle the reef-points, and knot as fast as you can. Now lay forward, and off with the bonnet, off the jib! And sing out when you are ready.
"Now lay aft, and hoist up the mainsail! That will do. Belay! Now up with the jib!