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Cross and Crescent, Or, Young America in Turkey and Greece
Cross and Crescent Or Young America in Turkey and Greece Author:Oliver Optic Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER III. THE ROUTINE OF SHIP'S DUTY. NEARLY all the officers of the Tritonia were in the cabin, studying the charts, or engaged in other nautical occup... more »ations. Morley and Greenwood were on deck, discussing the exciting events of the day. Neither of them was any better satisfied than before ; but they agreed that it would not be prudent for them to attempt to " mix things" again. Wainwright and Scott, placing but little dependence upon the second and third lieutenants, were careful to inform themselves fully in regard to the courses, bearings, and distances in this part of the Baltic, and before the houi for sailing arrived, both of them had written down everything they were required to know. " It is quarter of four, captain," said Scott. " Call all hands, Mr. Scott," replied Wainwright. " All hands, up anchor!" piped the boatswain a moment later ; and officers and men hastened to their stations. The cable was heaved in to a short stay, which Morley reported to Scott. " Stand by to set foresail and mainsail I" shouted the first lieutenant. " All ready, sir," reported the officers at their stations. " Top up the main boom ! " " Man the out-hauls. Stand by the brails!" said Scott. Fourteen hands seized the out-hauls, while others stationed themselves at the brails. " Let go the brails ! Haul out," continued Scott; and all his orders were repeated by the officers at their several stations. The fourteen seamen at each out-haul walked away with it, and the great sails began to shake and flutter in the breeze. " Belay ! " cried the executive officer, when the sails were hauled out. " Slack the port vangs ! " " The ship is off," said the captain. " Her sails were loose before we began," replied Scott. " But we shall be up with her before ...« less