"She will never hold, mast or no mast; and if it stands, we make a shift to run her head foremost on the rocks, and this will give us a better chance than if she drifts broadside on." "You are right, Pengarvan.

Yes, it will be better to leave it standing." When within a quarter of a mile of the shore, the helm was again put down and, as the vessel came partly round, the the anchors were let go.

The hawsers ran out rapidly, and the topsail, which was the only sail on her, was let go, the wind catching it and tearing it into ribbons as it was loosed.

There was a jerk and a surge as the anchors brought her up, but at the same moment a great wave struck her head.

The cables parted, and she again swung round towards the shore.
"It is all over with us, my lad," the captain said to Roger, who was standing quietly beside him.