attempting to drag her up farther on the reef, as the only hope of
saving their lives. Now one poor fellow, now another, was washed away,
as the sea swept round over the reef with ever-increasing force. We
were hurrying down the rocks, when I saw just below us a young lady, for
I could not doubt, from her appearance, that she was such. She had been
gazing at the dreadful spectacle, and apparently unable to witness it
longer, she sank on the rock, pressing her hand on her eyes, to shut it
out. At this moment we were joined by the stranger who had called to
us.

"I caught sight of your boat coming towards the island, and was hurrying
across, to entreat you to try what you could do to assist our friends,"
he said. "Help is at hand, Emilie; they may still be saved," he
exclaimed, as he made his way to where the young lady was seated.

We got as close to the people as the sea would allow us.

"Hold on to the rope," cried Dick, securing the end round his waist. "I
will swim out, and make it fast to the boat."

Fearlessly he plunged into the boiling surf, but was soon carried down
far below the boat, and we hauled him back, not without great risk of
his being dashed against the rocks.

"I will try it again, and start higher up the shore," he exclaimed,
still undaunted.

"Let me go," cried the young stranger; "they are my friends, and I ought
to run the risk."

"If I cannot manage it, you shall go the next time," answered Dick, once
more plunging into the water.

He swam on directly across the boiling current, which swept him down
towards the boat. He had very nearly gained a footing on the rocks,
when once more he was carried down, and we hauled him back, utterly
exhausted. His bravery had encouraged the rest of the men, several of
whom begged that I would allow them to make the attempt.

"I said that I would go next," exclaimed the young stranger, fastening
the rope round his waist, and, before I could stop him, he plunged into
the water. He buffeted the waves bravely, but his strength was not
equal to the undertaking. I trusted that, notwithstanding his light
figure and delicate appearance, he would succeed. Every moment was
precious, for one after the other the people were being carried away
before our eyes, without our having the means of saving them. He had
already got a footing on the reef. Just as some of the men were making
their way towards him, and he had nearly got up to the boat, a sea
lifte