So fierce was the gale that, during the squalls, it was impossible to keep themselves on their feet, and all had to lie down till the fury of the gust had passed.

It was pitch dark, and they groped rather than made their way along.

Fast now, one after another, came the sound of the signal guns.
"There must be a dozen of them adrift," Dick shouted into his friend's ear during one of the lulls.

"God help them all; what will become of them?
A ship would be dashed to pieces like an eggshell against these cliffs." When they reached the lowest point of the cliff, the party were halted and told to lie down and keep themselves in readiness, in case their services should be required.

The officers struggled forward to the edge, and tried to see what was going on down in the bay below; but little could be seen, save the mighty sheets of spray, as the waves struck the cliffs.