The thick white mist was dissipated as if by magic.
Rain fell in torrents with tropical violence.
It was a terrible scene as the waves dashed over the magnificent but crippled liner.
Captain Nares endeavored to grapple with the difficulty by lowering the boats.
The first lifeboat was staved in against the ship’s side as soon as it touched the water.
A second one floated, but when it was filled with passengers, principally women and children, it capsized.
All were drowned.
The shrieks and cries of the perishing were pitiful in the extreme.
They made strong men shudder.
As quickly as it came the storm swept away, and the heavy sea subsided.