r. He saw what seemed to him to be a dark mass of
clouds banked up against the morning sky along which ran flashes of
white. He quickly realized that he was nearing the cliffs and the
flashes were the mighty waves that broke in fury against them. Knowing
that to approach them would be certain death, he unlashed his paddle
and made a frantic endeavor to back off through the enormous waves that
were driving him slowly but surely to destruction. Notwithstanding his
almost superhuman efforts he was carried in by an irresistible force
closer and closer to the death dealing cliffs. At the same time he
noticed by the changing head lands that the currents were driving him to
the southward and hoping for an opening in the threatening wall of rock,
he redoubled his efforts to gain more sea room. At times the enormous
waves seemed to lift him almost to the surface of the cliffs, then
again he sank far below while they seemed to raise like a cloud against
the sky. Closer and closer he was driven in until their frightful roar
almost deafened him. A streak of early daylight now showed through the
black cloud of rock that was gradually approaching. He thought that
this might be some cut in the cliffs and reversing his paddle propelled
himself cautiously toward it. While hesitatingly examining the
entrance a sea struck him. Another and another followed in quick
succession and nearly in a senseless state, he was hurled into a
little ravine. To save himself from the retreating wave he grasped a
piece of rock. The next moment he was struck by another sea that
sent him high up, and gaining his feet he rapidly reached a position in
which he was safe from the surging breakers. He discovered that
the cleft into which he was washed was the course of a fresh water creek
which flowed into the sea. After resting himself for a short time on the
rock, he examined his bag and found that it was all right. He then
commenced to ascend the cliffs and on reaching their top the force of
the gale almost blew him off his feet. He struck a signal light. This is
a light made of chemicals which burns with intense brilliancy.
Bracing himself against a rock he held it above his head. The flare lit
up the surrounding cliffs. While it was still burning he turned to
windward and looked down on the huge breakers that made the cliff on
which he stood tremble as they dashed in against it. While gazing
down on the mad