"Breakers all around us!" "I feared as much!" cried the captain.

"We've struck on a reef!" The _Eagle_ seemed to back off, probably the recoil from the blow.
The wind swirled around, and then, once more, the good ship was driven on the rocks.
Once more she crashed upon the low-lying barrier, and this time an ominous splintering sound followed.

There was a terrific crash, and the foremast went by the board.

At the same time there was a pounding beneath the bows of the vessel.
"There's a big hole stove in the bows, sir!" cried a sailor, running to Captain Spark.

"The water's coming in fast!" "I'm afraid we're foundering!" added Mr.Carr.
"Stand by to lower the lifeboats!" yelled the captain.