Then, very slowly, as she gathered way, the bow lifted and, in a minute, she was scudding fast before the gale; gathering speed, every moment, from the pressure of the wind upon her masts and hull, and from the fragment of sail shown forward.

At present there were no waves, the surface of the water seeming pressed almost flat by the weight of the wind.
Then there was a deafening crash, and a blaze of light.

The fore-top mast was riven in fragments, but none of these fell on the deck, the wind carrying them far ahead.
"You had better make your way forward, Mr.Hardy," Fairclough shouted, into the lieutenant's ear, "and see if anyone is hurt." Fortunately the precaution which had been taken, of ordering the men away from the mast, had prevented any loss of life; but several of the men were temporarily blinded.

Three or four had been struck to the deck, by the passage of the electric fluid close to them; but these presently regained their feet.

Hardy returned, and reported to the captain.
"You had better send the carpenter down, to see that there is no fire below." In a minute the man ran up, with the news that he believed the foot of the mast was on fire.