Waving in the wind like a luminous flag, it seemed sometimes to fly round the tower, as if it was just going out, and a moment after it was seen again dancing on its blue point.
"The Fire-Maiden! the Fire-Maiden!" cried the terrified fishermen and peasants.
All was then explained.

The ship, having lost her reckoning in the fog, had taken this flame on the top of Dundonald Castle for the Irvine light.

She thought herself at the entrance of the Firth, ten miles to the north, when she was really running on a shore which offered no refuge.
What could be done to save her, if there was still time?
It was too late.

A frightful crash was heard above the tumult of the elements.

The vessel had struck.