Mr. Popkins: Ay ay, sir!
Captain Jarvis: How fast does the old ship go, Mr. Popkins?
Mr. Popkins: Nine knots, sir!
Captain Jarvis: Nine knots! Julius Caesar! I am astonished. Take in some of that canvas immediately, Mr. Popkins. I can't afford to sail so fast as nine knots.
Mr. Popkins: Ay, ay, sir.
The studding sails were hauled in, and the main royal and fore and mizzen top-gallant sails furled.
Captain Jarvis: How fast does she go now, Mr. Popkins?
Mr. Popkins (after heaving the log.) Seven knots and a half, sir!
Captain Jarvis: Too fast, sir much too fast! Take in more sail. Why, Mr. Popkins, we shall be at the end of our voyage before we know it, at this rate.
Mr. Popkins, with the men of the larboard watch, went to work, and in a few minutes the ship was running along quietly under her three topsails, jib, and spanker.