We kept all sail on, in the hope of forcing over, but, failing in this, we hove aback, and lay waiting for the tide, which was on the flood, to take us back into the channel.  This was something of a damper to us, and the captain looked not a little mortified and vexed. ``This is the same place where the Rosa got ashore, sir,’’ observed our red-headed second mate, most malapropos.  A malediction on the Rosa, and him too, was all the answer he got, and he slunk off to leeward.  In a few minutes the force of the wind and the rising of the tide backed us into the stream, and we were on our way to our old anchoring-place, the tide setting swiftly up, and the ship barely manageable in the light breeze.  We came-to in our old berth opposite the hide-house, whose inmates were not a little surprised to see us return.  We felt as though we were tied to California; and some of the crew swore that they never should get clear of the bloody[4] coast.

In about half an hour, which was near high water, the order was given to man the windlass, and again the anchor was catted; but there was no song, and not a word was said about the last time.  The California had come back on finding that we had returned, and was hove-to, waiting for us, off the point.  This time we passed the bar safely, and were soon up with the California, who filled away, and kept us company.  She seemed desirous of a trial of speed, and our captain accepted the challenge, although we were loaded down to the bolts of our chain-plates, as deep as a sand-barge, and bound so taut with our cargo that we were no more fit for a race than a man in fetters; while our antagonist was in her best trim.  Being clear of the point, the breeze became stiff, and the royal-masts bent under our sails, but we would not take them in until we saw three boys spring aloft into the rigging of the California; when they were all furled at once, but with orders to our boys to stay aloft at the top-gallant mast-heads and loose them again at the word.  It was my duty to furl the fore royal; and, while standing by to loose it again, I had a fine view of the scene.  From where I stood, the two vessels seemed nothing but spars and sails, while their narrow decks, far below, slanting over by the force of the wind aloft, appeared hardly capable of supporting the great fabrics raised upon them.  The California was to windward of us, and had every advantage; yet, while the breeze was stiff, we held our own.  As soon as it began to slacken, she ranged a little ahead, and the order was given to loose the royals.  In an instant the gaskets were off and the bunt dropped. ``Sheet home the fore royal!—­ Weather sheet’s home!’’—­ ``Lee sheet’s home!’’—­ ``Hoist away, sir!’’ is bawled from aloft. ``Overhaul your clew-lines!’’ shouts the mate. ``Aye, aye, sir! all clear!’’—­ ``Taut leech! belay!  Well the lee brace; haul taut to windward,’’—­ and the royals are set.  These brought us up again; but, the wind continuing light, the California set hers,