"In a sloop, the term applies to the jib only. In a ship, it may include all the sails forward of the mainmast. In getting under way, the next thing to be done after the principal sails are set, is to heave up the anchor to a short stay; though we don't generally take the trouble to do this in small boats. It means simply to get the anchor nearly up, which is indicated by the cable being something near up and down."
"What's the use of doing that?" asked the critical Archie.
"Because it is generally necessary to work lively after most of the sails are set. After the sails are shaken out on board of a ship, they don't want to wait a long time to heave up the whole of the cable. Archie and Syl shall have their stations at the cable, and Con and Hop at the jib-halyards. Now, just to show how it is done, you may heave up the anchor to a short stay; that is, haul in on the cable till the bow of the boat is nearly over the anchor; but don't trip it."
"Trip it?" queried Archie, though the meaning of the term was clear enough to all of them.
"Just as you would trip a fellow up on shore; lift the mud-hook from the bottom," added Dory rather impatiently. "When you get the cable in the position required, Archie, it will be your duty to report the fact by saying, 'Cable up and down.'"
Archie and Syl hauled in on the cable? the latter pulling upon the rope, and the former coiling it up as it came in, as directed by the skipper.
"Cable up and down," reported Archie, prompted by Syl.
"Con is strong enough to hoist the jib alone; and Hop will overhaul the downhaul, and see that it runs out clear as the sail goes up. Then, as soon as the sail is well up, Hop will pass the halyard under the cleat, while Con swigs up; but not yet," continued the skipper.
The hands at the jib made every thing ready to hoist the sail.
"Now the two hands at the anchor will be ready to trip it. The moment it is clear of the bottom, Archie will say, 'Anchor a-weigh.' Then I shall give the order to hoist the jib. Are you all ready there?"