“But I have taken the decided step already; for I have hauled her up”—
“How can that be when the vessel is far out of sight of the land? You speak in enigmas,” interrupted Mr. Primback.
“We braced her up”—
“In English, sir,” said the professor rather sternly.
“I don’t know that I can describe nautical manœuvres in any other than nautical language,” said Wainwright. “We were going with the wind free before, sir”—
“The wind is always free, Wainwright: no one can control it.”
“Well, sir, I caused the schooner to be turned so that she is headed as near as she can go in the direction from which the wind comes.”
“That is quite intelligible. I thank you.”
“The vessel is now headed as near as can be towards the ship in distress. If you wish me to speak to Mr. Marline I will do so, sir; but I think it is better to let him sleep, after being on deck as he was all night.”
“He must be somewhat fatigued; and you may wait till he gets up from his bed.”