Could the crew have heard it?
At any rate, it was too late for them to beat back from the line of breakers which gleamed white in the darkness.
But it was not, as might be supposed, a last effort of Ryan's to warn the doomed ship.

He now had his back to the sea.

His companions turned also, and gazed at a spot situated about half a mile inland.

It was Dundonald Castle.

A long flame twisted and bent under the gale, on the summit of the old tower.
"The Fire-Maiden!" cried the superstitious men in terror.
Clearly, it needed a good strong imagination to find any human likeness in that flame.