There was a cry, 'We are sinking!' Some made a wild rush for the boats, others in their despair jumped overboard, some cursed and swore like madmen and shook their fists at the frigate.

It seemed no time when another broadside came.
"Down came the foremast, crushing half a dozen men as she fell.

Her deck was nearly level with the water now.

I climbed over the wreck of the foremast, and run out along the bowsprit.

I looked round just as I leaped.