stance two vessels with English
colours approaching the harbour. William had to hurry on board his
ship, but Mason and I drove on to a spot where we could see them enter.
One gained an anchorage in safety, but the other still continued
outside, steering wildly, as if uncertain what course to take. It was
soon evident that she was in great danger. While we were looking on,
Captain Hassall joined us. There were a number of naval officers,
masters of merchantmen, and others collected on the shore. "She is said
to have a pilot on board, and an ignorant fellow he must be, or he would
have anchored outside ere this if he could not get in," observed Captain
Hassall. While he was speaking, the vessel got into the swell of the
sea which was dashing on the rocks close at hand. Rapidly she came
drifting towards them. Probably the master then asserted his authority,
for two anchors were let go. The fate of the ship, and probably of all
on board, depended on the anchors holding. With deep anxiety we watched
her as the huge swells came rolling in towards the rocks. A cry arose
from the collected crowd--"The cables have parted--the cables have
parted!" The hapless craft was lifted by the next surge, and hurried on
amid the foaming breakers towards the rocks. At that instant the
foresail was set, in the hopes of its helping to force her over them.
It was useless; down she came with a tremendous crash on the black
rocks. For a few minutes she continued beating on them, rocking to and
fro in the wildest agitation; then a huge surge, which appeared to have
been for some time collecting its strength, struck her on the side, and
rolled her over, as if she had been merely a child's plaything, towards
the shore, to all appearance overwhelmed, so as never to rise again.
The wild breakers dashed triumphantly over her, but she was not
conquered, though it seemed a wonder that wood and iron should hold
together under the tremendous shocks she was receiving. Once more she
rose to an erect position, and it was seen that her dauntless crew were
endeavouring to cut away her masts. "It is the only thing they can do
to save their lives," observed Hassall, watching them through his glass.
"And see,--yes--there is a woman on board--a lady by her dress. She is
clinging to the windlass--probably secured to it." As he was speaking,
the mizen-mast came down, followed quickly by the mainmast, which
happily fell towards the shore. Again a surg