to the utmost, while Frank pushed with the steering oar. A minute
later, and they lay in comparatively still water, under the lee of
the ship. Two or three ropes were thrown them, and they speedily
climbed on board.

"We thought you were the lifeboat at first," the captain said, as
they reached the deck; "but, of course, they cannot be here for a
couple of hours yet."

"We were blown off shore, sir," Frank said, "and have been rowing
against the wind for hours."

"Well, my lads," the captain said, "you have only prolonged your
lives for a few minutes, for she will not hold together long."

The ship, indeed, presented a pitiable appearance. The masts had
already gone, the bulwark to windward had been carried away, and
the hull lay heeled over at a sharp angle, her deck to leeward
being level with the water. The crew were huddled down near the
lee bulwarks, sheltered somewhat by the sharp slope of the deck
from the force of the wind. As each wave broke over the ship, tons
of water rushed down upon them. No more guns were fired, for the
lashing had broken and the gun run down to leeward. Already there
were signs that the ship would break up ere long, and no hope
existed that rescue could arrive in time.

Suddenly there was a great crash, and the vessel parted amidships.

"A few minutes will settle it now," the captain said. "God help us
all."