"Now we may shorten sail," sang out Captain Bruno.  "Aloft, my lads; quick about it."  The men needed not to be told of the importance of haste.  They flew aloft, and soon handed the top-gallant-sails, and took two reefs in the topsails.  Relieved of the vast weight which had been pressing on her, and almost driving her over, the schooner now flew much more easily over the seas, and with scarcely diminished speed.