At length a hoarse call was heard on deck, and the ship began to shorten sail.

Her fore-course was hauled up, and the spanker was brailed; then the royals were clewed up and furled; the topgallant-sails followed; and presently the Proserpine was reduced to her three topsails and jib.

All this, finished just as Cuffe reappeared on deck, was done by the watch and in about five minutes.

As soon as sail was thus taken in the helm was put to port, the ship came up to the wind on the starboard tack, and the main-topsail was laid to the mast, bringing the yawl under her lee and close alongside of the ship.

This manoeuvre was no sooner executed than a seaman ran lightly down the vessel's side and entered the yawl.