The order was given to "hold on," and as it was obeyed
the port cable broke. The sloop immediately swung around, bringing all
her weight on the starboard cable, which, being unable to stand the
strain, parted, and then they were left entirely to the mercy of the
wind and sea.
The suspense was short. A tremendous sea came rolling toward the sloop,
struck it with terrific force, lifted it high on its crest and carried
it forward toward the breakers. In another instant the vessel was driven
with a crash on the sandy bottom. At the same moment down came the
foremast, taking with it the jib-boom and bowsprit, all disappearing
into the sea. Wave after wave washed over them in quick succession. The
mainmast was split, and the noise made by it, as it was beaten about by
the gale was deafening. All the poor wretches on board the _Sea Shell_
could do was to hold on for dear life.
The captain ordered their only life-boat lowered, and, turning to the
crew, he shouted, for the roaring of the wind was terrible, that he with
twelve men would set out for shore, and after landing eight with himself
and officers, would send the boat back for others. The captain had no
notion that so excellent a punch brewer as Terrence should be lost, and
insisted that he go with the first boatload. The others had no
alternative. They were compelled to submit. The captain, his
lieutenants, Terrence and a dozen sailors sprang over the side, took
their places and pushed off.
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