As the next came and lifted us up with a lurch towards her, some one cried "Jump!" and she obeyed wildly-- almost too wildly, for she nearly overleaped us.

Mercifully there were stout arms to catch her and place her in safety.

The other woman followed; and then one after another the crew, until, with thankful hearts, we counted twenty on board.
Our work was done.

No! There was a report like a crack of thunder over our heads, a shout, a shriek, as the mainmast of the wreck gave way with a crash, and swayed towards us.
"Jump!" shouted the coxswain to our men, who were waiting for the next wave to bring the boat to them.

"Cut away for'ard, there!" Another moment and the mast would be on us and overwhelm us! They jumped, although we were down in the trough of the wave, yards below them.