Immediately after she had passed through Billiton Passage, which separates the island of that name from the southern coast of Borneo, the hitherto magnificent weather underwent a considerable change, the outlook presaging an approaching gale, and the barometer fell with steady persistency.
'We're in for a sharp blow, Master Jack,' Readyman observed. 'It will be short, but lively, as usual in these seas, and you will face the first really stiff breeze since leaving home.'
'Well, I've had a long run of luck in that way,' Jack replied, 'and would have preferred more sea room. Mr. Statten let me see his chart, and we seem to be surrounded by small islands.'
'She'll be all right, my son; but I'd get my oilskins on as soon as possible,' Readyman advised.
Throughout the afternoon the wind steadily strengthened, and the barque, close-hauled, lay down to it pretty freely, while both royals and the flying jib and gaff-topsail were stowed.
With approaching night the weather stiffened considerably; rain fell heavily, and at eight bells, eight o'clock, the two topgallant-sails were furled, while the outer jib came in on its boom. As by that time the wind had increased to gale force, with every indication of 'dirtier' weather to follow, out went the order, 'All hands reef topsails!'
The mainsail was hauled up, and all the reef-tackles were hauled out. From Mr. Statten a couple of men received the reef-earings, or lengths of light rope by which the head corners, or 'cringles,' as they are termed, of the sails are fastened to the yards, and away aloft through stinging rain and whistling wind the men hastened to execute the orders.
Mindful of Readyman's former advice to 'be always on the spot when needed,' Jack Clewlin worked his way out to the weather yardarm, and, securing good foothold, assisted in reefing the canvas. Yet he soon discovered that all his work was cut out to keep pace with the nimble movements of his stronger and more experienced companion, since, of course, the men nearer the mast had to wait until the work outside was done.
That being completed, down wind went the cry, 'Haul out to lee'ard!'
The men passed the 'news' along. Mr. Statten at the mast shouted, 'Taut band! Tie up!' And having fastened the reef-points, all hands slid to the deck, seized the topsail halyards, and to the lively chanty: