He was, however, swept off his feet, and dashed against the main-mast.

So violent was the jerk from the taffrail, that it seemed as if it would have dislocated his arms.

However, it broke the force of the stroke, and, in all probability, saved him from being dashed to death against the mast.
John floundered about in the water at the foot of the mast, until at length he got upon his feet and seized a rope, which he held while considering what he should do to extricate himself.

At this instant he perceived Mr.Holmes and his daughter on the capstan.

How they had got there was a marvel to him which he had no time to investigate.