When this was done, directly the vessel began to break up, those who could not swim were to make their way by these shrouds to the floating mast.

Those who could swim could make, at once, for the shore.
"When all have left the ship but Mr.Hardy and myself, we will cut the shrouds; and the masts will probably ground, ere long." While before the sailors had, for the most part, been gazing at the coast, on which they had little doubt that their bodies would soon be cast up; they became lively and active, as soon as they received the order.

It seemed that, after all, there was a chance for them.
Four hours passed.

The wind had now so far headed them that the brig could no longer keep her course parallel with the shore.

Twice they had endeavoured to put her about, but each time failed; and she was now making so much leeway that the coast was less than three miles away.