The crash was distinctly audible, and amid the noise of falling masts and flapping sails were heard the cries of the sailors and the moans of the dying.
After the concussion the monster retired as it had come.
A cloud obscured the surface of the ocean, and it was difficult to tell where it had gone, or what had become of the ship.
Mont found himself struggling in the sea, and wondered what had become of his companions.
"Hang those monsters of the deep," he said to himself; "I don't like them."
Swimming gently, he got hold of one of the oars of the boat, and so kept himself afloat without much exertion.
It was not a hopeful position to be in.
Struggling alone in the middle of a vast ocean, ignorant of the fate of his companions, and doubtful of succor, it was not to be wondered at if he felt inclined to despair.
Would he sink or swim? The question was, just then, a hard one to answer.