On the starboard side opened a large hole between the timbers of the frame-work and the damaged planks.
"This ship has been run into," cried Dick Sand.
"There is no doubt of that," replied Captain Hull; "and it is a miracle that she did not sink immediately." "If there has been a collision," observed Mrs.Weldon, "we must hope that the crew of this ship has been picked up by those who struck her." "It is to be hoped so, Mrs.Weldon," replied Captain, Hull, "unless this crew sought refuge in their own boats after the collision, in case the colliding vessel should sail right on--which, alas! sometimes happens." "Is it possible?
That would be a proof of very great inhumanity, Mr.
Hull." "Yes, Mrs.Weldon.

Yes! and instances are not wanting.

As to the crew of this ship, what makes me believe that it is more likely they have left it, is that I do not see a single boat; and, unless the men on board have been picked up, I should be more inclined to think that they have tried to roach the land.

But, at this distance from the American continent, or from the islands of Oceanica, it is to be feared that they have not succeeded." "Perhaps," said Mrs.Weldon, "we shall never know the secret of this catastrophe.

Meanwhile, it might be possible that some man of the crew is still on board." "That is not probable, Mrs.Weldon," replied Captain Hull.