Most of them go outside all the sands when it is fine weather, but
we always keep inside; and it makes a great difference, for the tides do
not run so strong, and even with a light wind we can make way against them,
while those outside have to anchor."
"I can't make out how you can find your way in the dark."
"If it is a thick night and the weather is bad we anchor, but when it is
clear enough to see the stars, or if the wind is steady so as to give us
our direction, we go on. There is a man always standing at the side with a
lead-line, and that tells us the depth of water, which is quite guide
enough for the master. Of course we never sail in rough weather, for if we
went on the sand then we should soon go to pieces; but if it is fine when
we stick fast, which is very seldom, we put out the anchor and lower the
sail, and go to sleep until the tide floats us again. Come up into the
top; you can see a great deal farther from there than you can from the
deck."
Ulf found no difficulty in mounting to the top, although he was much longer
than his companion in getting up. There were several sail following them,
and Ulf was surprised at the knowledge his companion showed of vessels that
appeared to him almost precisely similar.
"The one nearest to us is the Alfred," he said. "I know her by that patch
on her sail. She trades with Harwich. Those two smaller craft behind are
bound, I should say, for Colchester or Maldon.
Pages:
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346