At times it seemed impossible that the vessel could live, so tremendous were the seas which struck and buffeted her.

However, being light in the water, and buoyant, she floated over it.

During the next night the wind sensibly abated, and although still blowing with tremendous force, there was evidence, to the accustomed eyes of the sailors, that the storm was well-nigh blowing itself out.
The sea, too, sensibly went down, although still tremendous; and all began to hope that they would weather the gale, when one of the sailors, who had crawled forward to the bow, shouted: "Breakers ahead!" It was now, fortunately, morning; although the darkness had been so intense, since the storm began, that the difference between night and day was faint, indeed.

Still it was better, if danger were to be met with, that there should be as much light as possible.
All hands looked out over the bows and saw, before them, a steep coast rising both to the right and left.
"It is all over with the ship," Gerald said to Ned, "and I do not think that there is a chance, even for you.

The surf on those rocks is terrible." "We must do our best," said Ned, "and trust in God.