Owing to the formation of the coast at this place, a powerful stream ran between the rock and this islet at low tide.

It happened to be flowing out at that time like a mill-race.
Manton saw that the schooner was being sucked into this stream.

In other circumstances, he would have endeavored to avoid the danger; for the channel was barely wide enough to allow even a small craft to pass between the rocks; but now he resolved to risk it.
He knew that any attempt to put the schooner about would only hasten the efforts of the cruiser to bring her broadside to bear on him.

He also knew that, in the course of a few seconds, he would be carried through the stream into the shelter of the rocky point.

He therefore ordered the men to lie down on the deck; while, in a careless manner, he slewed the big brass gun round, so as to point it at the man-of-war.
Gascoyne at once understood the intended maneuver of his mate; and, in spite of himself, a gleam of triumph shot from his eyes.