"Mind your helm, Blair!" called the first lieutenant, springing aft to the wheel. "Port a little! Don't let the sail be taken aback!"
The head of the Josephine came up handsomely to the sea, and it was thus proved that the double-reefed foresail was just the sail for such an emergency. It was only to be demonstrated whether the sail would be blown out of the bolt-ropes or not. If it had been an old one, such would probably have been its fate; but being nearly new, and of the best material, it stood the strain to the end.
"Mind your eye, Blair!" roared Terrill. "Starboard!"
"Starboard, sir!" replied the quartermaster.
"Touch her up when it comes so heavy," added the lieutenant.
The vessel had fallen off, and took the wind so far on the beam that she buried her scuppers deep in the waves. The order to "touch her up," or luff her up into the wind, so as partially to spill the sail, was given to ease off the tremendous pressure. The Josephine minded her helm, and luffed so that she righted herself.
"Steady, Blair!" called the lieutenant. "Port! Not too much, or you'll broach her to!"
"Sail ho!" suddenly shouted several of the seamen in the forward part of the vessel.
"Where away?"
"Right over the lee bow! She has capsized!"