r ribs on the rocks."

"If so, we must do our best to save the people," said Harry. "The sea
breaks heavily along the shore, and they will be placed in great
danger."

The ship meantime was standing boldly on, keeping close to the southern
shore, for the purpose evidently of being well to windward. She had
already reached the entrance of the sound, and now she was in
comparatively smooth water, though the fierce gale made her heel over,
threatening every instant to carry away her masts. It must have been an
anxious time to those on board. Away to leeward the waves were dashing
fiercely on the rockbound coast, and well they must have known, should
any accident happen, that no power could save them from driving against
it, when few could have hoped to escape with life.

The party in the boat continued anxiously to watch the ship. Harry was
considering how he could best render her assistance. It was a long way
by land to the mouth of the sound, and should she drive on shore in that
direction, all on board might be lost before he and his party could
reach the spot. Still the masts held, and the captain evidently dared
not shorten sail, as only by carrying on could he hope to keep to
windward.

"He is a brave seaman, whoever he may be," observed Bollard. "Hold on,
good sticks, hold on, and you may still bring the stout ship into port!"
he added, apostrophising the masts.

"They see our flagstaff, and will probably steer for it," said Harry.
"Or perhaps they are aware of the existence of the inner harbour, and
purpose running up to an anchorage."

The ship had now got within two miles of where the boat lay; and,
sheltered somewhat by the land, she stood up more bravely than before to
her canvas. The captain evidently did not like the look of the shore on
his port side, as no preparations were made for coming to an anchor.

"She will do it now," cried Bollard, "if the wind holds for another
quarter of an hour. See, she is keeping away. They have made out the
entrance of the inner harbour. We might pull outside the reef, Mr
Shafto, and get on board, to pilot her in. If they see us coming, they
will have ropes ready for us."

"It would be no easy matter to reach her, and we shall risk our lives
and the loss of the boat, if we make the attempt till she is in smoother
water," said Harry. "However, we may pull round to the harbour, and
lead her in; they will be looking out for a boat, and will be sure to
see