In another moment the schooner was among them. A terrible, rasping, grinding sound ensued as she pounded on the rocky surfaces. A sharp chill ran through the boys as they gazed. In that sea, and in her position, it would have been evident to the veriest landsman that she could not live more than a short time. Even as they gazed the foremast snapped off short and went overside with a terrific crash. Worse still, some figures, which had been clinging to it, vanished with it.
"If we could only help them," breathed Nat. "It is terrible to watch such a scene helplessly."
"Yet we can do nothing," said Captain Akers. "But, look! it is the beginning of the end!"
As he spoke a big gap could be seen to open in the side of the unfortunate schooner. The waves broke over her in clouds and her bowsprit snapped off, dragged by the weight of the foremast, with the report of a gun.
All at once the watchers saw two figures emerge from below and appear on the stern. It was at once evident that they were struggling.
"It's Dayton and Morello!" exclaimed Nat.
"So it is," cried Joe. "Look, Morello is seizing something from Dayton and shoving it into his pockets. He's got on a life-belt—oh!"
The exclamation was called forth by something that had just occurred. The figure Nat had recognized as Morello had been seen suddenly to draw a pistol. The next second there was a flash and a puff of smoke. No report could be heard above the fury of the storm, but they saw Dayton throw up his hands and topple backward.
As he did so Morello, without a backward glance, leaped to the stern rail, and without an instant's hesitation jumped overboard from the fast-breaking craft.
"He'll be drowned!" cried Joe.