It seemed an age, and he was almost on the point of relaxing his hold on the capstan, when they once more rose above the water, and he got a breath of air.

He still clung to Blanche in despair, though she lay so limp in his arms that he thought her dead.
It was now dark, for night had fallen upon the awful scene.

A flash of lightning illuminated the wreck, Mr.Holmes was gone, and Stevens could not see another soul on the vessel.

The wild roar of surf fell on his ears, and a moment later he felt the bottom of the ship grating on the sands.

It seemed to glide further and further on the beach, as if the ship were being lifted and driven inland.