Pagina 358 van 416

That Ellinwood and the daring Jimmie Thomas were thoroughly in

accord with Schofield's preposterous sail-carrying was a foregone

conclusion. But others of the crew were not of the same mind. An

hour more here or there seemed a small matter to them as compared

to the chance of drowning and leaving a family unprotected and

unprovided for.

Schofield sensed this feeling immediately it had manifested

itself, and he called his lieutenants to him. He wished to

provide against interference.

"House the halyards aloft!" he commanded, and at this even those

two daring souls stood aghast, for it meant that whatever the

emergency no sail could be taken off the Charming Lass. With the

end of the halyards aloft no man could reach them in time to

avert a catastrophe.

"You're sure drivin' her, skipper!" roared Pete in amazed

admiration. "Up them halyards go. Oh, Lord, but she's a dog, an'

she'll stand it."