first taken in, and then the top-gallant sails.

"We can't lay this course, sir," said Burchmore, the quartermaster, who
was conning the helm. "The wind is hauling to the eastward."

"Make the course east by north then," replied Pelham, without taking the
trouble to consult the captain or Mr. Fluxion, both of whom were on
deck.

"The wind is north-north-east, sir," reported the quartermaster, a short
time afterwards.

"Keep her east then."

At six bells the wind was north-east, and coming heavier and heavier
every moment. The ship was headed east-south-east, and it was evident
that she still had on more sail than she could easily carry.

"What's the course, Mr. Pelham?" asked Captain Gordon.

"East-south-east, sir," replied Pelham.

"The course given out was east-north-east."

"I have changed it three times within the last hour," answered the
fourth lieutenant, in rather surly tones.

"By whose order?" demanded the captain.

"By no one's order, sir."

"You know the regulation for the officer of the deck. He is not
permitted to alter the course of the ship, unless to avoid some sudden
danger, without informing the captain."

"I had to alter the course, or have the topsails thrown aback," replied
Pelham.

"Very likely it was proper to alter the course; but it was also proper
to inform me, especially when I was on deck."

"Very well, Captain Gordon. I will not alter the course again without
your order," added the fourth lieutenant, stiffly.

"The regulation is not mine, Mr. Pelham," continued the captain,
sternly.

As the wind increased, sail was reduced to topsails and courses, jib and
spanker; but at seven bells even these were found to be too much for
her.

"Captain Gordon, it is coming heavier," said Mr. Fluxion. "I think it
will be necessary to reef."

"I was thinking of that, sir. The wind is north-east, and blowing a
gale."

"You had better call all hands, and do it at once."

"Mr. Pelham, you will call all hands to reef topsails!"

"All hands, sir?"

"Certainly, Mr. Pelham; that was my order," replied the captain, more
sharply than usual, for there was something in the manner of the officer
of the deck which he did not like, and he found it necessary to maintain
the dignity of his position.

Pelham touched his cap; he felt the weight of authority upon him heavier
than ever before. Until recently he had always performed his duty
cheerfully, and was considered a first-rate officer. S