One
after one
All this time three pumps were kept working , and not for a moment did they cease baling out with their buckets , barricoes , and kettles . Still , notwithstanding their utmost exertions , the ship had now ten feet of water in her hold , and had they for a single watch ceased to pump , she must have foundered . At length the admiral gave the order to heave overboard the guns ; it was a desperate remedy , for should the ship survive the gale and an enemy be met with , she must helplessly yield ; a greater trial to her brave crew than any they had encountered . One after one , the tackles cast off , the guns were sent plunging into the ocean . Relieved of their weight , the ship floated somewhat more buoyantly . `` We have done our best , '' exclaimed the brave admiral . `` One more resource remains to us , we must cut away the masts . ''