"All ready in the mizzentop," reported the several captains of the tops, in their proper order.
These reports were passed to the first lieutenant in charge of the deck, by his subordinates.
"Let fall!" shouted Gordon, highly excited; and the sails dropped from the yard. "Overhaul your rigging aloft! Man sheets and halyards! Sheets home, and hoist away!"
These orders were passed from mouth to mouth among the officers, and return reports made, according to the strict discipline of the navy. They were promptly executed by the crew, though of course not without some blunders; and the Young America was covered with her cloud of canvas. Mr. Lowington commended the officers and crew for the promptness and skill they had displayed in their first concerted attempt at making sail. He then directed Captain Carnes to furl. Both evolutions were then repeated, until a proficiency satisfactory for one day was attained.
"Not going to sea, after all," said Shuffles, when the crew were dismissed from muster.
"No," replied Wilton. "I'm tired of lying here, and if we don't go to sea soon, I shall take myself off."
"I'm with you."
"I thought we were going to have some fun on board, but we don't do anything but study and shake out topsails."
"Do you know how you stand on marks, Wilton?" asked Shuffles.
"No; not very high, though."