We can now only think of the present." Already I fancied that the violence of the flames was somewhat abated, and that the two opposing elements were in fierce contention.

Some plank in the ship's side was evidently stove in, admitting free passage for the waves.

But how, when the water had mastered the fire, should we be able to master the water?
Our natural course would be to use the pumps, but these, in the very midst of the conflagration, were quite unavailable.
For three long hours, in anxious suspense, we watched and watched, and waited.

Where we were we could not tell.

One thing alone was certain: the tide was ebbing beneath us, and the waves were relaxing in their violence.