“I don’t know. We must if we can. It’s the only way out,� was the calm reply, “order all hands to sheets and braces.�
“Sheets and braces!� bawled out the mate.
There was a scampering along the decks. Every man stood at his appointed place. Raynor and Noddy, as “idlers,� as cooks and so forth are classed, had nothing to do but watch.
“Jove,� exclaimed Raynor, “Carson’s going to try to get us out of it.�
“He don’t stan’ no more chance than a chicken at a nigger picnic,� opined Noddy dolefully.
Terror Carson clambered down from his post on the bulwark. Quite slowly, as if there was no urgent hurry, he strode back toward the helm. Suddenly he gave a sharp order.
“Break out your topsails and keep the lights burning.�
There was a brisk breeze, and as the topsails were added to the schooner’s canvas, the masts bent like whips. The craft heeled, shook herself and then bounded forward like a race horse. With iron bound muscles Carson, his legs braced apart, stood at the wheel, gripping the spokes. His steady blue eyes gazed straight ahead. He seemed to steer by instinct.
Raynor could almost have found it in his heart to admire him. Noddy was outspoken in his praise.
“Gee, that guy kin sure handle a ship,� he exclaimed.