her bulwarks, seeking what shelter
they could find. A good many teaspoonfuls of salt foam came dashing on
board the brig now, and even the captain was forced to allow it, as he
held on by the weather main-shrouds, and looked keenly to windward.

"What a magnificent spectacle!" exclaimed Isabel, as she gazed on the
seething ocean.

"At all events we are better here than riding with both anchors down at
Quillimane," replied the mate.

A report like the boom of a heavy gun was heard above the gale, and the
foresail was seen flying away to leeward, blown to ribbons. A heavier
blast weighed down upon the struggling brig, and before a word could be
spoken, the bolts of the futtock shrouds, drawing one after another,
with a splintering crash down came the fore-topmast with all its rigging
and hamper, dragging with it the main-topgallant mast, and carrying away
the jib-boom, the whole mass falling bodily over the side.

In an instant the watch were on their legs, and the remainder of the
crew poured on deck, speedily followed by the alarmed passengers.

The captain stood for a moment surveying the wreck, and then with the
true spirit of an old salt, accepted the situation.

"Keep her away," he shouted to the two men at the wheel; "let her go
free. Steady, my lads! Out axes and cut away the wreck. Pass the word
below for the sail-maker to send up a new foresail."

The wreck of the masts was now dragging under the brig's lee, thumping
heavily against her sides. Quick as thought the first-mate sprung
forward, and, seizing an axe, began cutting away the ropes which kept
the spars dragging after the ship. Holding on by the shrouds, the
bright steel did its work, and no longer close hauled, but running free,
the brig's motion seemed much easier. Already a portion of the wreck
was floating astern, a few ropes alone held the rest, and one by one
they were severed, when a monster wave came rolling on towards the brig.
The captain's warning voice was heard far above the roar of the winds
and waves, shouting to all to hold on. The mate alone did not hear him,
as he raised his axe to sever the last rope. The blow fell, but at the
same moment the brig plunged her bows into the green wave. Striking her
on the counter, the vessel seemed to tremble and to pause in her career,
as the green water curled over her bows and bulwarks, in one mass of
white foam, falling in tons upon her deck, and rolling away to leeward,
poured out