But long before we had reached this pitch, I found that orders had been given, and the men were busy up aloft, lowering down the main-topgallant mast, and then laying the maintop mast all askew, as if it were snapped off at the top.  After which the yards were altered from their perfect symmetry to hang anyhow, as if the ship were commanded by a careless captain.  The engine was set to work to squirt water thickened with cutch, and the beautiful white sails were stained in patches, and then roughly furled.