He had so much interest in keeping at least his top-sail, that he resolved to do so so long as it was not likely to be carried away.

But, to secure the solidity of the masts, he had the shrouds and backstays hauled taut.

Above all, all unnecessary risk must be avoided, as the situation would become one of the gravest, if the "Pilgrim" should be disabled by losing her masts.
Once or twice, also, the barometer rising gave reason to fear that the wind might change point for point; that is to say, that it might pass to the east.

It would then be necessary to sail close to the wind! A new anxiety for Dick Sand.

What should he do with a contrary wind?
Tack about?
But if he was obliged to come to that, what new delays and what risks of being thrown into the offing.
Happily those fears were not realized.