ain gave the order for all the boats to be got ready for lowering;
still he had hopes that the breeze would again freshen, but he could not
hide from himself the danger the ship was in. All the boats towing
ahead could not stem that fierce current. Ever and anon, too, the swell
from the sea came rolling in smooth as glass, setting the ship towards
the rocks. Not the faintest zephyr filled even the royals. Even should
her head be got round to the southward, she would still be drifted
bodily to destruction. Stella clearly comprehended the danger, and
watched with admiration the cool and calm bearing of the officers. A
cable was ranged for letting go as a last resource, but the depth of
water where they then were precluded any hope of an anchor holding.
Nearer and nearer the ship drew to the towering cliffs.

"Lower the boats," cried the captain.

Their active crews sprang into them, and tow-ropes being passed they
began to pull, as English seamen are wont to pull, against the hot
current; but all their efforts seemed of no avail in retarding the
sternward progress of the frigate. It appeared at length as if in
another minute her spanker-boom would be driven against the cliffs,
while the outer branches of the tall trees which towered on their
summits seemed almost to hang over the mast heads. Smooth as was the
water, an angry surf broke against the rocks at the foot of the cliffs,
too clearly indicating what must be the fate of the proud frigate should
she drive against them. The lead kept going, showed the depth of water
still to be great. Suddenly the ship seemed to be brought to a
standstill; the lead-line remained up and down. The hand in the chains
announced the fact. It was evident that she had got into dead water,
but she still felt the influence of the rollers; for although the boat's
crews pulled as hard as ever, they could not move her ahead. It would
be impossible for them also to continue their exertions much longer,
while but a slight puff of wind from the opposite shore would hasten her
fate.

"Well, I never thought there could be danger in smooth water and a calm,
and the land close to us," said Tom, who observed the anxious faces of
those around him.

"There are many things not dreamed of in your philosophy, youngster,
which you'll learn in time," answered Higson. "Before many minutes are
over we may chance to have the masts come tumbling about our ears, and I
would advise you, and the res