Beyond Annapolis some pretty manoeuvering work was done.

While this drill was proceeding, however, the wind died out considerably.

Then, light as the breeze was, the youthful crew captains were forced to beat back against almost a head wind.
There being no signs of squalls or puffs, the crew captains did not seem to need to exercise much caution.

The members of the crews stood indolently at their stations.
Yet Dave was as alert as ever.

He stood close to the midshipman tillerman, looking constantly for signals from the flagship, and at the same time watchful for any wind signs.
An hour or more they had proceeded thus.