This rapid survey consumed but a moment. Looking down the sloping deck, she saw close under the lee of the ship what seemed a vortex of foaming water; and now, for the first time, she recognized a dull, sullen roar, which she knew to be that of breakers. At once the whole peril of their situation flashed upon her. Instead of being a hundred miles at sea, as Captain Powell had supposed, they were close upon the coast; and these superhuman exertions, which she saw master and crew making, were designed to get an offing for the vessel. Suddenly a loud report was heard, like the discharge of a cannon in the air, and looking up, Kate saw what seemed a white cloud flying down to leeward. “God have mercy on us,” she heard a voice cry, its sharp tone of agony rising over all the roar of wind and waters, “the main-topsail is gone. Look out, she strikes!” At the same instant, Kate felt a shock, which precipitated her on her face, and instantaneously what appeared an ocean of water rushed over and submerged her. CHAPTER III. THE SHIPWRECK “To hear The roaring of the raging elements, To know all human skill, all human strength, Avail not; to look around, and only see The mountain wave incumbent with its weight, Of bursting waters o’er the reeling bark,— Oh! God, this is indeed a dreadful thing.” —Southey. “In breeze, or gale, or storm, Icing the pole, or in the torrid clime Dark-heaving; boundless, endless and sublime. Each zone Obeys thee, thou goest forth, dread, fathomless, alone.” —Byron. In a moment, however, the brave girl struggled to her feet. Her first thought was of her aunt. She was about groping her way down to the cabin, for the purpose of seeking Mrs. Warren, when the latter’s voice was heard, faint with terror, calling on her name. “Here I am, aunt,” answered Kate, as cheerfully as she could. She held out her hand, which Mrs. Warren eagerly caught.