All this time Gladys and I, quite ignorant of seamanship and everything pertaining to it, were watching the doomed ship, and from time to time asked anxiously what was the meaning of all the excitement.

The men returned us evasive answers, like the kind-hearted fellows they were, and cheered us up in every possible way.

Presently we heard signals of distress (only we didn't know they were signals of distress then), and our companions saw that the captain realised only too well his terribly dangerous position.

It was, however, utterly impossible for them to have rendered him any assistance.

The rain was now descending in sheets, lashing the giant waves with a curious hissing sound.