The tide was at the full, and the wind was blowing a hurricane on shore, so that the wreck was driven far up on the beach, and at low tide it was high and dry.
John Stevens remained by the capstan, as it was highest point, holding Blanche in his arms long after the ship had settled in the sands.

The waves leaped and raved angrily below; but not a human voice was heard.
He asked himself if Blanche were dead or living.

At last he felt her move and, placing his hand on her heart, was rejoiced to know that it still beat.
"Father--father!" she faintly murmured.
"He is gone," John answered.
"Is this you ?" she asked.
"Yes." "Cling to me." "I will.

We will survive or perish together." Then she became silent, and the night grew blacker, while the storm howled; but the waves receded with the ebbing tide, and the broken hulk remained fast fixed in the sands.

The poor girl shivered all through that night and clung to her preserver.