The whole population speedily gathered upon the mole, and the vessel, a small one employed in the coasting trade, was seen struggling with the waves, which were rapidly bearing her towards a reef, lying a quarter of a mile from the shore.
The sea was, at this time, running with tremendous force.

The wind was howling in a fierce gale, and when the vessel struck upon the rocks, and her masts at once went by the board, all hope of safety for the crew appeared at an end.
"Cannot a boat be launched," said Ned to the soldiers standing round, "to effect the rescue of these poor fellows in that wreck ?" "Impossible!" they all said.

"No boat could live in that sea." After chatting for a time, Tom and Ned drew a little apart from the rest of the crowd, and watched the ill-fated vessel.
"It is a rough sea, certainly," Ned said; "but it is all nonsense to say that a boat could not live.

Come along, Tom.

Let us push that shallop down.