The lifeboat crew saw it too, and knew full well that it would prove our destruction, should we not get to a safe distance.  Still, the remainder of the crew were not to be deserted.  Three were men, the other two boys.  I could see the poor fellows, as I looked back, lashed to the rigging, holding up their hands in dumb show, imploring us not to desert them.  Neither the coxswain nor his crew were men to do that; but already the boat was crowded, and should the sea break on board, some of those saved might be washed out of her.  Sea after sea rolled in on the wreck; every moment I expected to see the masts go, with the helpless men clinging to the shrouds, when all must be lost.