It was pitch dark in the forecastle, for the swinging lantern had been dashed so violently against the beams that the light was extinguished.
Half an hour after Reuben turned in, a crash was heard.

A moment later the door was opened, and there was a shout: "The mizzen has gone! All hands to cut away the wreck!" The watch turned out and began to make their way aft, and were soon engaged with knife and hatchet in cutting away the wreck of the mizzen which, towing behind, threatened, with each heavy following sea, to plunge into the vessel's stern.

A cheer broke from the men as the last rope was cut, and the wreck floated astern.

The mast had gone close to the deck, smashing the bulwark as it fell over the side.

The motion of the ship was easier, for its loss.
"Mr.James," the captain shouted, "we must get preventer stays, at once, upon the fore mast.