CHAPTER VIII
IN THE JAVA SEA
The 'Alert,' with studding-sails and all square canvas set, soon passed the brig, and throughout the following day only a few reefs, and those at considerable distances, were seen. The weather remained beautifully fine, but the wind fell so light that the smaller vessel, drawing much less water, soon forged ahead and disappeared. They were now drawing well away from the dangerous strait, and, with a clear course, shaped directly for Batavia.
Every day Jack Clewlin felt increasing pleasure from his exchange of ships; and the wider scope for acquiring knowledge of his profession also added to that feeling. Beside that, Readyman had by no means dropped his voluntary advice and tutorship, and many an evening dog-watch was still usefully passed.
'I wish you would borrow the hand lead-line from Mr. Statten,' he once observed. 'I could show you how to use it.'
Jack immediately obtained the line, and another lesson began.
'Of course,' the quarter-master continued, 'you already know that on board ship everything is measured in feet and fathoms, and that a fathom is six feet, or two yards in length. Every vessel carries one hand and one deep-sea lead-line. The shorter and lighter one is only used in shallow water. Now then, lad, listen to me. At two fathoms, you see, there is a bit of leather; at three fathoms the mark is the same, but the leather tag is split; at five fathoms the mark is white rag; at seven fathoms there is a red one; at ten fathoms it is a piece of leather with a hole in it; at fifteen fathoms it is a blue rag; at seventeen, it is the same as at seven, and at twenty fathoms there is a bit of cord with two knots in it.'
'How is the hand line used?' Jack inquired.
'You stand in the main chains, grip the line about six feet from the sinker, swing it over your head, and let it fly as far for'a'd as possible. The deep-sea lead is too heavy for that, so it is carried to the forecastle-head, while the line is passed outside of everything to windward, and, when fastened to the sinker, is thrown overboard.'
'I never thought there was so much to learn about ships.'
'Much!' Readyman exclaimed, 'why, sonny, you don't know anything yet. What about the cutting and the fitting of rigging, masting and dismasting, stowage of cargoes, and a hundred other matters? It will need your four years' apprenticeship to know but a little; and as an officer you must be a good navigator. Ay, Master Jack, and talking like that reminds me that you should learn sail-making. It comes in very handy to use a palm.'