All were aware that their last moment had arrived.

Servadac and the count grasped each other's hands for a long farewell; and, tossed by the tremendous waves, the schooner was on the very point of being hurled upon the cliff, when a ringing shout was heard.

"Quick, boys, quick! Hoist the jib, and right the tiller!" Sudden and startling as the unexpected orders were, they were executed as if by magic.
The lieutenant, who had shouted from the bow, rushed astern and took the helm, and before anyone had time to speculate upon the object of his maneuvers, he shouted again, "Look out! sharp! watch the sheets!" An involuntary cry broke forth from all on board.

But it was no cry of terror.

Right ahead was a narrow opening in the solid rock; it was hardly forty feet wide.