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Updated: June 6, 2025
The loss of the enemy's main-topsail-yard caused us to forge ahead, but unhappily, from the condition of our running rigging, we could neither shorten sail nor back our main-topsail. Our captain therefore resolved to endeavour to cross the bows of the Ville de Milan. The order was given to put the helm down.
"The wind is heading us," muttered the man at the wheel; "she's fallen off two points." "Hands about ship," cried Captain Fleetwood. "We'll show the poor fellows we do not intend to give them the go-by. Helm's a-lee! Tacks and sheets! Main-topsail haul. Of all, haul." And round came the brig, with her head to the eastward, or towards the island of Milo.
"Come, bear a hand with that main-topsail there," exclaimed Mr Stunt through his speaking-trumpet, "or " What he was going to say I know not, for at that instant there arose the fearful cry of "A man overboard! a man overboard!" It sounded like the knell of a fellow-being. Captain Gierstien was on deck. I was near him.
The main-topsail being thrown aback we were enabled to drop clear of this immense body, which would have been a dangerous neighbour in a heavy seaway. The wind moderated on the 11th, but on the following day another gale came on, which for nine or ten hours blew in most tremendous gusts from the same quarter, and raised a heavy sea.
"Brace round the fore-yard!" It was done, and the brig's head fell off to the westward. The main-topsail, closely reefed, was set, and we had then as much canvas as she could stagger under. As it was, several seas swept over her deck, carrying away portions of her bulwarks, and doing other damage; but all hands clung on to the stanchions around the mast, and happily no one was washed overboard.
They capered and hugged each other, and made unearthly sounds. Joe brushed the sand from his eyes and saw a small vessel approaching the tiny island. Her rig was made out to be that of a snow, which was very like a brig, the difference being in the larger main-topsail and the absence of a spanker or after steering-sail.
Why you are just skin and bone, as Chips said. Never mind, old chap, your troubles are over now, and we will soon set you on your pins again. Here, steward, bring along some water for this dog not too much to start with; and give him a little food. Now, carpenter, what were you able to make out aboard there? Fill your main-topsail, lads, and bring her to her course."
We were not long detained, however. Hardly had the Esmeralda's main-topsail been backed, ere a smart little cutter came sailing out towards us, with the familiar "P" and her number displayed on her spanker; so Sam hastened to bid his last farewell to me, making ready to accompany the pilot ashore.
Luff, or you will be over him! It is Ned, sir." "Luff!" said the skipper. "Man the main-braces, some of you, and stand by to heave the main-yard aback." Captain Blyth then sprang upon a hen-coop, and peered eagerly out ahead. "I see him!" he eagerly exclaimed at last. "Back your main-topsail. Luff, my lad; luff and shake her!
As for me, I was left dangling by one hand at the bare end of the severed tricing line, but within easy reach of the starboard main-topsail sheet, which I promptly grasped and began to lower myself hand over hand down to the deck.
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