The "Pilgrim" did not carry, like the majority of modern ships, a double top-sail, which facilitates the operation.

It was necessary, then, to work as formerly--that is to say, to run out on the foot-ropes, pull toward you a sail beaten by the wind, and lash it firmly with its reef-lines.

It was difficult, long, perilous; but, finally, the diminished top-sail gave less surface to the wind, and the schooner was much relieved.
Dick Sand came down again with Bat and Austin.

The "Pilgrim" was then in the sailing condition demanded by that state of the atmosphere which has been qualified as "very stiff." During the three days which followed, 20th, 21st and 22d of February, the force and direction of the wind were not perceptibly changed.

All the time the mercury continued to fall in the barometrical tube, and, on this last day, the novice noted that it kept continually below twenty-eight and seven-tenths inches.
Besides, there was no appearance that the barometer would rise for some time.