cry sounded in the silent
night, as I hung there utterly helpless on the face of the cliff.

Again and again I shouted with all my might, to be answered at first
only by the roar of the surf below. Presently, on the summit of the
cliff, not far above me, a lantern flashed, then another, and another,
and a voice hailed me through the darkness.

"Help!" I cried, "help!" and my voice was full of despair, for my
strength was fast ebbing. I must soon lose my hold, and be dashed to
pieces at the foot of the cliff.

The lanterns flashed to and fro above me. Would they never come
nearer? What was that? A big stone bounding and bouncing from rock to
rock whizzed past my head, and disappeared in the gloom below.
Collecting all my strength, I shouted again, fearing that it must be
for the last time.

But now--oh, how sincerely I gave thanks to God!--a light had come over
the edge of the cliff, and though moving slowly, it certainly advanced
in my direction. Yes, I saw a man's outline. In one hand he carried a
lantern, in the other a noosed rope, and he felt his way carefully.

"Help! help!" I exclaimed, faintly enough now; but he heard me, and I
knew I was saved. Putting the lantern on the ledge and grasping the
collar of my coat, he got the noose round my body under the arms, and
those above drew me up.

[Illustration: "Help! help!" I exclaimed, faintly; but he heard me, and
I knew I was saved.]

The lanterns showed a group of men in uniform, who crowded around me as
I reached the top; but being uncertain how long my strength would last,
I cried,--

"A wreck! Search the beach. There may have been others washed ashore."

Upon this there was much talking, and then two men carried me away,
leaving their companions, as I hoped, to search for any chance
survivors.

CHAPTER IV.

THE SILVER KEY.

It would be hard for me to tell just what happened during the next day
or two. I did not lose consciousness altogether, but my nerves were so
shattered that I mixed up fact and fancy, and could hardly separate my
dreams from events which actually took place.

On the third or fourth day my senses became clearer I lay on a bed in a
small cell-like apartment. In the opposite corner was a mattress, with
a blanket and rug rolled neatly at the head; above it, on the wall,
hung a sword and various military articles, as if the room belonged to
a soldier.

Presently, as I lay trying to recall things, the door was pu