"Stations for hoisting the fore and main sails!" called the captain, at a signal from the principal. There was no nonsense about the work this time, for the schooner was to get under way. The boys were very active, and even Tom Topover moved as though he delighted to obey orders.
Certain hands stationed themselves at the halyards, and others stood ready to loose the sails. Orders had been sufficiently established by the drill, to prevent the boys from touching a rope till the command to do so was given.
"Loose sails!" shouted the captain.
"Loose sails," repeated the mate, who was in the waist, and was required to repeat every order when all hands were on duty.
The sail-loosers cast off the stops, which secured the sails to the booms; while a couple of others at each of the masts cast off the halyards, overhauled them, and saw that they were in order for instant use.
"Hoist fore and main sail!" said the captain; and the order was repeated by the mate, while the second mate was required to see that the work was properly done at the foremast, as the first officer did at the mainmast.
The sails went up as if by magic, so vigorous were the hands at the halyards. They were swigged up, and the slack taken in, as prescribed in the drill.
"Man the capstan!" called Captain Randolph, when the sails were properly set. "Heave up the anchor to a short stay, Mr. Bennington!"
The mate superintended this operation, and the anchor was soon reported aweigh.
"Man the jib-halyards! Stand by the jib-downhaul!" continued the captain, when the report had been made to him. "The wind is a little south of west, and we will cast on the port-tack."