roke their
force.

"We are ashore--we are ashore!" was the cry, but still every man waited
for the captain's orders. He stood calm and collected, with his
officers round him. His glass was in his hand; he was constantly
looking through it watching the shore.

"Some people are collecting on the heights, and will soon be down on the
beach," he exclaimed. "Hold on till they come, my lads, and we may be
able to send a line on shore." This exhortation was not unnecessary,
for the seas rolling in constantly struck the vessel with such terrific
force, that it appeared she could not possibly hold together, while two
or three men, who had incautiously relaxed their hold, were washed
overboard and drowned. A beaker or small cask was in the meantime got
ready with a line secured to it. The most important object was to form
a communication with the shore. It was evident that if a hawser could
once be carried between the ship and the beach, the crew might be
dragged along it and be saved. As soon as the people began to collect
on the beach, the cask with the line attached to it was hove overboard.
All watched its progress with intense anxiety, for all felt that no time
was to be lost in getting the hawser on shore. The cask neared the
shore, then the wave rolled on, but again coming thundering down the
beach, carried it back almost as far as the ship. Again and again the
attempt was made, and each time the cask, almost getting within the
grasp of the people on shore, was hurled back once more out of their
reach.

"I think, sir, I could manage to put the jolly-boat on shore, if you
will allow me," said Mr Wenham, the second lieutenant, addressing the
captain.

"The risk is very great, Wenham," said the captain, shaking him by the
hand; "but go if you think fit."

"Volunteers for the jolly-boat!" sang out the second lieutenant.
Several men sprang forward; he selected four. The boat was launched
into the raging sea, and they leaped into her, carrying a line. With a
cheer from their shipmates they shoved off. Rapidly the boat approached
the beach, borne onward with a huge wave. Intense was the anxiety of
all who watched her. She reached the spot where the sea curled backward
in a mass of raging foam. Down it came upon her. A cry was heard
uttered by the Greeks on shore, as well as by the seamen on board. Over
went the boat, and all her hapless crew were engulfed. Rolled over and
over among the seaweed and masse