We heard the Captain making his way toward the cabin, and then saw him enter. His face wore a look of deep anxiety.
"The masts have gone," he said, "and the bark is unmanageable. You must prepare for the worst. We may have to take to the boats."
"At once, Captain?" asked Mr. Sargent.
"I cannot tell until the well is sounded; but I fear that she must founder."
At that moment the first mate entered the cabin and stated that the bark was leaking badly. The water was rising fast in the hold.
"We must remain on the ship to the last moment," said the Captain, "for a boat could not live in this sea."
The Captain returned to the deck, and how long we clung to the berths I cannot tell, for I was dazed by the peril which threatened us--Were we to be lost at sea, drowned, all hands?
The Captain again entered the cabin. "We must take to the boats," he said, "and Heaven help us."
We hastened on deck just as we were, half clothed, leaving everything behind. Nothing could be taken.
When we reached the deck we saw the Captain standing by the starboard boat. The other had been launched, and had instantly disappeared in the darkness and foaming water.