"We don't have even a boat-hook or a setting-pole," sighed the shipper. "I suppose they wouldn't be much use anyway, but a fellow could at least try to fend the ship off those rocks."
Fearful, he looked toward the breakwater. Little by little the Rebecca was drawing closer to it. At the same time she was rapidly driving past the great stone pile. Would she clear it or not? There was nothing to do but stand and wait. And the three sailors almost held their breath as they steadied themselves by the rigging and watched. Nearer the boat came to the rocks and nearer, and the end of the breakwater was still rods away.
"She's going to strike," said the shipper. "She'll crash in another minute. We'll have to lower the life-boat."
They ran aft toward the davits, then paused a single second to watch. A great wave was lifting the Rebecca. Up she rose high on the crest, and swept straight toward the breakwater.
"Get the women on deck quick," roared the shipper. "She's going to crash."
Alec sprang for the companionway. The ship gave a lurch, but there was no noise, no jar. An enormous wave, rushing against the breakwater, had rebounded and swept the ship clear. The tide hurled her forward. A moment later, by the narrowest of margins, the vessel skimmed across the end of the breakwater, and shot into the open water beyond. For the moment she was safe.
Straight toward the open sea she went, fast as wind and tide could drive her. The storm still continued. The rain had slackened, though it still fell. The wind yet blew with violence. With every moment and with every foot they drew offshore the waves ran higher. Now driving straight ahead, now swinging in the wind, now wallowing in the waves, and at times smashing stern first into the rolling sea, the Rebecca drove on before the storm.
"Make a flare," said the shipper grimly. "We've got to get help."
The big sailor set about executing his order, but Alec darted into the cabin. Swiftly he threw over his switch. Then, steadying his hand, he flashed the call, "SOS—SOS—SOS." Then he paused and listened.