"Man the topsail halyards! stand by the braces." "All ready, sir," reported the fourth lieutenant, after the others.
"Hoist away the topsails!" The hands on deck walked away with the halyards, until the topsails were hauled up to a taut leech.
The same operation was repeated on the fore and main course; the yards were trimmed; the bowlines attached and hauled out, and then the ship was under double-reefed topsails and courses.
"Boatswain, pipe down!" said the executive officer when the work was done.
But the crew did not care to pipe down, just then.

This was the first time they had ever seen a gale at sea, and there was something grand and sublime in the heaving ocean, and the wild winds that danced madly over the white-crested waves.

It was now after midnight, eight bells having struck before the courses were reefed, and the first part of the starboard watch were to have the deck.

Mr.Lowington insisted that all others should go below and turn in, assuring them that they would see enough of the gale in the morning, or as soon as their quarter watches were called.
The principal and Mr.Fluxion were earnest in their commendation of the behavior of the Young America.

She was not only a stiff and weatherly ship, but she behaved most admirably, keeping well up to the wind, and minding her helm.