d overboard, they succeeded in
lowering down the mast.

They had next to get fore and main-trysails ready to set, should it be
found possible to beat to windward, though at present it was evident
that the schooner could not bear even that amount of canvas.

The foretopsail had stood, being a new stout sail, and it being closely
reefed, Rayner hoped that the little vessel would lay to under it. It
was a dangerous experiment he was about to try, but he had to choose
between two evils--that of being driven on shore, or the risk of having
the decks swept by the tremendous seas rolling up from the southward
before the schooner could be hove-to. She had already run a
considerable distance nearer the land.

Stationing the men in readiness to brace round the yard, he looked out
for a favourable opportunity to put down the helm and bring the vessel
up to the wind.

That favourable opportunity, however, did not come; every sea that
rolled up astern threatened to overwhelm her should he make the attempt.

The land appeared closer and closer. If the vessel was to be hove-to it
must be done at once, in spite of all risks.

"Hold on, lads, for your lives!" cried Rayner, in English and French,
setting the example by clinging to the larboard main rigging. "Now
starboard the helm. Haul away on the larboard headbrace. Ease off the
starboard."

Oliver and Jack, who were at the helm, as they put it down prepared to
lash it to starboard; but as the vessel came up to the wind, a fearful
sea struck her, sweeping over her deck, carrying away the caboose and
the whole of the bulwarks forward; at the same moment the foretopsail
split as the other had done, and the canvas, after fluttering wildly in
the blast, was whisked round and round the yard.

"Up with the helm!" cried Rayner.

Oliver and Jack, knowing what was necessary, were already putting it up.
Before another sea struck the vessel she was again before the gale.
Her only resource was now to anchor, should no port be discovered into
which they could run.

The cable was accordingly ranged ready to let go at a moment's notice;
but Rayner and Oliver well knew that there was little hope of the anchor
holding, or if it did, of the vessel living through the seas which would
break over her as soon as her course was stopped. Still, desperate as
was the chance, it must be tried. There might be time to set the
foresail yet, and she might lay to under it.

The order was given t