Two or three ropes were thrown them, and they speedily climbed on board.
"We thought you were the lifeboat at first," the captain said, as they reached the deck; "but, of course, they cannot be here for a couple of hours yet." "We were blown off shore, sir," Frank said, "and have been rowing against the wind for hours." "Well, my lads," the captain said, "you have only prolonged your lives for a few minutes, for she will not hold together long." The ship, indeed, presented a pitiable appearance.

The masts had already gone, the bulwark to windward had been carried away, and the hull lay heeled over at a sharp angle, her deck to leeward being level with the water.

The crew were huddled down near the lee bulwarks, sheltered somewhat by the sharp slope of the deck from the force of the wind.

As each wave broke over the ship, tons of water rushed down upon them.

No more guns were fired, for the lashing had broken and the gun run down to leeward.