We can head the old girl out from here in a jiffy, if it really begins to blow.

Jose, you stand by at the wheel, in case you're needed; some of the rest ship the capstan bars, and remain near for a call." Discipline on board must have been somewhat lax, or else Haines held some minor official position which gave him unusual privilege, for, while the others instantly separated to carry out these orders, he remained motionless, confronting the man I supposed to be the mulatto, LeVere.

My own position was such I could not press past the two without attracting attention.
"What are ye swingin' the yards fer, enyhow ?" asked the sailor insolently.

"Just fer exercise ?" The other, who already had started to turn away, stopped, and took a step backward toward his questioner.
"Because I am a sailor, Haines," he replied angrily.

"Anyhow it is none of your business; I was left in command here.