The single flash of lightning revealed only her deck and rigging; not a soul was to be seen on board the ship; but the sight of the vessel roused the castaway.

In eighteen years this had been the only sign of civilization which had greeted his vision, and he was nearly frantic with delight.
Some one might be on board.

Some skulkers from the cannon-balls of the pirates might have sought safety in the hold of the galleon, and he would find them.

His heart was full to overflowing.

He even began to hope that the ship could be gotten off the bar, and could make a voyage to some land of civilization.