However, with such a strong crew it won't take five minutes, and we have got that and something to spare, I think." "You have got the bowsprit reefed, Hawkins ?" "Yes, sir; full reefed." "There is only one thing more that I can suggest.

I fancy that these tornadoes begin with heavy lightning.

Get those wire topmast stays, and twist them tightly round the shrouds and lash them there, leaving the ends to drop a fathom or two in the water.

In that way I don't think that we need be afraid of the lightning.

If it strikes us it will run down the wire shrouds, and then straight into the water." In five minutes all was in readiness; the boats securely lashed on deck, the davits down below, and the lightning protectors tied tightly to the wire shrouds.
"Now, captain, I think we have done all that we can do.