The masts, which were so close that the boys seemed almost able to jump upon them, as they reached nearly to the level on which they were standing, instantly going over the side.

Peering over, they could see the black mass in the midst of the surging white waters at their feet.
The sailors had paused some way up the ascent, appalled by the difficulties which the boys, lighter and more active, had accomplished.
"Go up to the top again," Hawtry said, climbing back to them.

"Bring down one of those spars we brought down, a block, a long rope, and a short one to serve as a guy.

Get half-a-dozen more hands.

You'd better fix a rope at the top firmly, and use it to steady you as you return.
There's a ship ashore just underneath us, and I think we can get down." In a few minutes the sailors descended again, carrying with them a spar some twenty feet long.