Dog-watches at sea . e got it forward. Then, bending on theend of the gantline, which had been rove forthis purpose, we hoisted it aloft, abaft theyards, guying it out to windward. The materemained on deck to slack away, while bothwatches, with Mr. Williams and the boat-swain, bent and reefed it. The heat of the lazaret and the work ofhauling the topsail caused the perspiration toflow freely. Oilskins were discarded, and wewere wet through with the salt spray. Be-fore we started aloft, a roaming wave left itsturbulent head on our deck, and for a mo-ment it seemed as though we were in the surfa
Dog-watches at sea . e got it forward. Then, bending on theend of the gantline, which had been rove forthis purpose, we hoisted it aloft, abaft theyards, guying it out to windward. The materemained on deck to slack away, while bothwatches, with Mr. Williams and the boat-swain, bent and reefed it. The heat of the lazaret and the work ofhauling the topsail caused the perspiration toflow freely. Oilskins were discarded, and wewere wet through with the salt spray. Be-fore we started aloft, a roaming wave left itsturbulent head on our deck, and for a mo-ment it seemed as though we were in the surfat a seaside resort. Up we went, drippingwet, and mounted the rocking horse. Jackwas next to me. Together we passed theweather earing and shouted, Haul out to lo-ard. Oh, how delightful! Seated on theyardarm, I could see the heavy seas tumbleagainst the ship, the running rigging flyingloose and curving like coach whips. Thewhole scene aloft and below was wild andawe-inspiring. We were fully four hours bending the top-. TOGETHER WE PASSED THE WEATHER EARING A HOT SHIP 163 sail. During this time the men were grind-ing away on their tobacco. Those on the leeyardarm could enjoy their weed ; they couldlet fly the juice and watch it safely pass toleeward. Not so with us on the weatheryardarm. We must watch our opportunityto spit in the sail when Mr. Williams was notlookinsf. Or we mio^ht bend our heads underthe yard and hope a back draft would notlift it to windward and drive it into somefellows face. A spatter of tobacco juice fellfull on the second mates face. Immediatelyhe opened his dictionary and put his vocab-ulary to use. Now most seafaring men usetobacco. I suppose they would chew less ifthey were allowed to smoke when they feltlike it; but it is a great breach of disciplinefor a sailor to smoke while working, so theyform the chewing habit, which they can in-dulo^e in while on deck. No greater blessing is bestowed on a sailorthan his pipe. It makes him forget his cares,breaks
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, booksubjectsailors, bookyear1901
