CHAPTER XXXV
A DOUBLE-REEF-TOP-SAIL BREEZE - SCURVY - A FRIEND IN NEED - PREPARING
FOR PORT - THE GULF STREAM
From the latitude of the West Indies, until we got inside the Bermudas,
where we took the westerly and
South-westerly winds, which blow
steadily off the coast of the United States early in the autumn,
we had every variety of weather, and two or three moderate gales,
or, as sailors call them, double-reef-topsail breezes, which came
on in the usual manner, and of which one is a specimen of all. - A
fine afternoon; all hands at work, some in the rigging, and others
on deck; a stiff breeze, and ship close upon the wind, and skysails
brailed down. - Latter part of the afternoon, breeze increases, ship
lies over to it, and clouds look windy. Spray begins to fly over
the forecastle, and wets the yarns the boys are knotting; - ball
them up and put them below. - Mate knocks off work and clears up
decks earlier than usual, and orders a man who has been employed
aloft to send the royal halyards over to windward, as he comes
down. Breast backstays hauled taught, and tackle got upon the
martingale back-rope. - One of the boys furls the mizen royal. - Cook
thinks there is going to be "nasty work," and has supper ready
early. - Mate gives orders to get supper by the watch, instead of
all hands, as usual. - While eating supper, hear the watch on deck
taking in the royals.
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