She
had been quick in learning to steer, and her desire to know
everything about the yacht had pleased the sailors, who were all
delighted when they learned of her engagement to the owner. The new
hands, on learning the particulars, had naturally entered to some
extent into the feeling of the others, and the alacrity with which
every order was obeyed showed the interest felt in the chase.
As soon as the reef points were untied came the order:
"Slack away the reef tackle, and see that the caring will run easy.
"Now up with the throat halliard. That will do.
"Now the gaff a little more. Belay there.
"Now get that topsail up from the sail locker. We won't shift jibs
just yet, until we see whether the breeze is going to freshen."
It was not long before the increasing heel of the craft, and rustle
of water along her side, told that she was travelling faster.
"The wind is freeing her a bit, sir. It has shifted a good half
point in the last ten minutes."
"That is a comfort," Frank said. "You may as well heave the log. I
should like to know how she is going before I turn in."
"Seven knots, sir," the mate reported. "That is pretty fair,
considering how close-hauled she is.
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