In time of storm it awaits the stroke of the axe which is ` the thunderclap ' ... '' `` To be wrecked on the Casquets is to be cut into ribbons ; to strike on the Ortac is to be crushed into powder ... On a straight frontage , such of that of the Ortac , neither the wave nor the cannon ball can ricochet ... if the wave carries the vessel on the rock she breaks on it , and is lost ... The Norman fishermen who frequent the Channel have many precautions to take at sea , by reason of the illusions with which Satan environs them .
In time of storm it awaits the stroke of the axe which is ` the thunderclap ' ... '' `` To be wrecked on the Casquets is to be cut into ribbons ; to strike on the Ortac is to be crushed into powder ... On a straight frontage , such of that of the Ortac , neither the wave nor the cannon ball can ricochet ... if the wave carries the vessel on the rock she breaks on it , and is lost ... '' `` The Norman fishermen who frequent the Channel have many precautions to take at sea , by reason of the illusions with which Satan environs them .