CHAPTER IX

THE WESTERN OCEAN 325

Shifting Sail Again--My Long Trick--Among the Western Isles--Slippery Decks--At Work in the Hold--A Broken-down Steamer--Heavy Gale--Between Two Seas--Loring Washed Out--Hove-to--A Pulling Match--“Reuben Ranzo”--Fight with Bower on the Royal-yard--A Midnight Brew--Grub running Short--Washing Decks in a Gale--Wearing Ship--Old Man and Mate at Loggerheads--The Lead-line--A Cause for Strong Language.