A WATERSPOUT. I51I

canvas in. It won’t do any harm if we are snugged down
a bit to meet whatever is coming.”

It looked odd to see the crew shortening sail in a dead
calm; but it was a precaution almost any captain would
have taken, and Ben watched the men at their work until,
in his opinion, the little brig was ready to meet any vagary
of weather which might arise.