Every spy-glass on board was directed towards them.  Strange as it appeared, there could be no doubt about the matter.  In spite of the terrific gale--in spite of the prospect of the masts going overboard, and of the ship being reduced to a complete wreck, an event which might any moment occur, the wretched crew of the brig were destroying each other with the maddest fury.  From the state of things on board as we saw them, the chances were that the survivors of the victorious party would not have strength to take in sail or clear the deck at the end of the fight.