The tiller ropes creaked as Cromwell demanded yet another correction.

They all wanted to cut the tiller rope, but knew that if they severed it too soon the French might have time to make a repair.

"We cut the tiller ropes," Fairley said, "and I'll thank your lordship to keep quiet about it."

A tiller rope ran to each armrest.

The helmsman looked as if he spent time fighting tiller ropes, rather than the hydraulic rudder of the Thunderbolt.

And tiller ropes parting - that could happen unexpectedly.

Ericsson insisted on making the examination himself, inspecting the tiller ropes and linkage to the rudder.

In almost the same moment, Pittsburgh's tiller ropes were severed by shore fire.

I don't suppose,' he added doubtfully, 'that you go about cutting tiller ropes.

He adjusted the tiller rope, which was wrapped around the big toe of his bare right foot.