We have been twice round the compass.

It is lucky we had not got down among the islands before we caught it.

I would not give much for our chances if we had been there, for these gales gradually wear themselves out as they get farther from the islands." In six hours the weather had so far moderated that they were able to hoist the reefed foresail, and two hours later the trysail was set with all the reefs in.

These were shaken out in a short time, the wind dying away fast.

Half the crew had turned into their hammocks some time before, and the regular watch was now set.