to the working of the ship, it was his policy never to
interfere until absolutely necessary. The officers were encouraged to do
their own thinking, and were expected to take all necessary precautions
for the safety of the ship at the right time. The second lieutenant was
in charge of the deck, and as yet he had taken no step which indicated
that he was conscious of any peril.

"Mr. Lavender," said he, at last, when the principal's movements had
begun to be a little nervous.

The second midshipman, who was the third officer in rank on duty,
stepped up to the lieutenant and touched his cap.

"Tell the captain there is a shower coming up, and that the clouds look
squally," added Mr. Ellis, the officer of the deck.

Lavender touched his cap, and went down into the steerage, where the
captain was reciting his French lesson to Professor Badois.

"Excuse me," said Captain Haven. "I must go on deck, for I suppose Mr.
Lowington wouldn't give an order to take in sail if the masts were blown
out of the ship."

The commander of the Young America went on deck in a hurry. He and all
below had observed the sudden darkness which pervaded the steerage, and
they were rather glad to have something stirring occur to break up the
monotony of the calm. The captain looked at the black clouds, and
promptly directed the officer of the deck to take in the studding-sails,
which was done by the watch.

The clouds wore that peculiar appearance which indicates wind--an aspect
which the old sailor readily recognizes. Captain Haven was familiar
enough with the weather signs to understand what was coming; but the
young sailor is almost as much afraid of taking in sail too soon as of
being too tardy in doing so. There is as much vanity in carrying sail as
in wearing fine clothes. The captain did not wish to be too cautious,
for that would cause a smile upon the faces of the ship's crew.

He looked at Mr. Lowington, who seemed to be perfectly satisfied, or
rather his attention was directed entirely to the Josephine, which had
not yet taken in her huge fore square-sail. Then he studied the
threatening pile of black clouds, which had now nearly reached the
zenith; while the thunder rattled, and the lightnings flashed with
blinding glare.

"Take in topgallant-sails and royals," said Captain Haven to the officer
of the deck, now satisfied that his reputation for carrying sail could
not suffer in the face of such admonitory indications.

Mr. Elli