The sailors are twisting the sails about in every possible direction.

Some of the men are closing up the port-holes, others are working at the pumps.

The officers are issuing a multiplicity of orders at once, the boatswain is constantly sounding his whistle.

There is no appearance of order, confusion seems to reign triumphant, and there is every reason to believe that the commands are issued at random." "I have often wondered," said Jack, "how so many directions issued on ship board in a gale at one and the same moment could possibly be obeyed." "Let us descend, however, to the captain's cabin," continued the missionary.

"He is alone, collected, thoughtful, and tranquil, his eye fixed upon a chart.