The wind had been freshening for the last two hours, and it was now necessary to reduce sail.

The royals were first taken in, and then the top-gallant sails.
"We can't lay this course, sir," said Burchmore, the quartermaster, who was conning the helm.

"The wind is hauling to the eastward." "Make the course east by north then," replied Pelham, without taking the trouble to consult the captain or Mr.Fluxion, both of whom were on deck.
"The wind is north-north-east, sir," reported the quartermaster, a short time afterwards.
"Keep her east then." At six bells the wind was north-east, and coming heavier and heavier every moment.

The ship was headed east-south-east, and it was evident that she still had on more sail than she could easily carry.
"What's the course, Mr.Pelham ?" asked Captain Gordon.
"East-south-east, sir," replied Pelham.
"The course given out was east-north-east." "I have changed it three times within the last hour," answered the fourth lieutenant, in rather surly tones.
"By whose order ?" demanded the captain.
"By no one's order, sir." "You know the regulation for the officer of the deck.

He is not permitted to alter the course of the ship, unless to avoid some sudden danger, without informing the captain." "I had to alter the course, or have the topsails thrown aback," replied Pelham.
"Very likely it was proper to alter the course; but it was also proper to inform me, especially when I was on deck." "Very well, Captain Gordon.