unset that same evening Leslie had the satisfaction of seeing the brig
once more in condition to be brought to the wind when occasion should
arise. What the crew had accomplished that day constituted a most
excellent day's work, especially taking into consideration the fact that
they were almost worn-out with fatigue, Leslie therefore resolved to
call upon them for nothing further in the shape of work that day; but he
foresaw that it would be a great help to the craft to have a fore
staysail that could be set when sailing on a wind; and a main trysail
might also prove useful; he determined therefore that the next day
should see these two sails in place, if possible. He would then have
accomplished the very utmost that lay in his power, and sufficient, he
hoped and believed, to enable him to take the brig to Valparaiso.

His observations, taken at noon and at three o'clock that day, showed
him that the _Mermaid_ was far enough to the southward and westward to
justify a shift of the helm; and accordingly at four bells in the first
dog-watch he altered the course to north-west by West, which he hoped
would enable him to just clear Desolation Island and carry him fairly
into the Pacific. It also afforded him an opportunity to test the
efficiency of his jury rig; and his satisfaction was great at finding
that with the yards braced forward the brig, under main and fore-courses
only, behaved in a thoroughly satisfactory manner; although what she
would do when hauled close on a wind still remained to be proved.

Happily for him the weather had by this time again become quite fine;
the wind had softened down to merely a fresh breeze, and the sea had
gone down considerably. He was therefore enabled to secure a few hours'
sleep--a refreshment that he now absolutely needed, for he was by this
time so completely worn-out and exhausted that he felt he could do no
more.

The next day was nearly as busy an one as that which had preceded it,
for it saw the completion of Leslie's plans, and left the brig under
fore and main-courses and fore staysail; with main trysail bent and
ready for setting when occasion should require. This achievement
brought the ex-lieutenant to the end of his resources; but, on the other
hand, he felt that the brig was now once more in reasonable trim for
facing any contingency except a recurrence of really bad weather; and
this last he hoped he would have done with when once the brig had fairly
entered th