Every eye on board was now watching in the direction of the light.
"It's an iceberg, and a big one, too, Mr.Higgins.If she strikes it, there's an end of us!" said Captain Bottom, addressing the first officer, who seemed indifferent to the danger that threatened the ship.
A rustling noise, as of strong tide-rips breaking ahead, was heard, the sound increasing every minute.

The braces were now manned, the order to "go about" given, and the helm put down.

But the ship had hardly begun to gather headway on the other tack, when she refused to obey her helm.
It seemed, indeed, as if she was under the influence of a powerful attraction, drawing her to destruction.
Another minute and she struck with a deep, crashing sound, that made every timber in her frame vibrate, so great was the shock.

A gleam of grey light now began to spread over the fearful scene.

It was daylight, that friend which so often comes to the mariner's relief.