As night settled down the captain prepared for the worst.

It was evident that he feared something, and every man was on the alert.
The wind increased, but there was no rain.

On and on rushed the ship, all through the night.

The captain seemed to grow more anxious and would not leave his place at the wheel.
Suddenly, just as the darkness was giving place to the gray light of morning, the _Eagle_ hit something.

A shiver seemed to run through the whole length of the ship.
"Breakers ahead!" yelled the lookout.