It was evident that the Osprey was being closely
watched by those on board the brigantine. Presently two or three
men were seen to run aft.
"They are going to tack again, sir. If they do they will come right
out to us."
Frank made no reply, but stood with his glass fixed on the
brigantine. Suddenly he exclaimed:
"Round with her, Hawkins!"
"Up with your helm, Andrews. Hard up, man!" the skipper shouted, as
he himself ran to slack out the main sheet. Four men ran aft to
assist him.
"That will do," he said, as she fell off fast from the wind. "Now,
then, gather in the main sheet, ready for a jibe. Slack off the
starboard runner; a couple of hands aft and get the square sail out
of the locker.
"Mr. Purvis, get the yard across her, lower her down ready for the
sail, and see that the braces and guys are all right.
"Now in with the sheet, lads, handsomely. That will do, that is it.
Over she goes. Slack out the sheet steadily."
"She is round, too," Frank said, as the boom went off nearly
square. "We have gained, and she is not more than half a mile
away."
The manoeuvre had, in fact, brought the yachts nearer to each
other.
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