_Wee-wee-wee-wheetle-eetle-eetle-we-e-e_, shrilled the boatswains' pipes, followed by the hoarse bellow of "Hands, 'bout ship!" and up came the men, hurrying to their several stations.  The first lieutenant paused an instant, flinging a lightning glance fore and aft the deck, cried "Ready ho!" through his trumpet, then turned to the quartermaster and said: