"You won't be able to do any good, and the fewer hands there are on deck the less there will be to be anxious about.

I shall only keep four hands forward after the first burst is over, and they will be lashed to the shrouds.

Purvis will be there with them.

Perry and Andrews will take the helm, and I shall stay with them.
"We have battened the fore hatch down.

One of the men will be in the after cabin, and if I want to hoist the trysail or make any change I shall give three knocks, and that will be a signal for them to send half a dozen hands up.