already clambered up the side, and lifted a corner of the
tarpaulin. I followed, and in a minute we were snugly stowed away, in
almost as good shelter as if we had never left our bedroom.

Then we sat and listened drowsily to the wind raging all round, and
heard the spray falling with heavy thuds on the tarpaulin above us.

"It must be past twelve, Jack," said I; "a Merry Christmas to you."

But Jack was fast asleep.

Chapter II. The Rescue.

How long Jack and I had lain there, curled up under the bows of the
"Dreadnought" that stormy Christmas morning, I never knew. For I, like
him, had succumbed to the drowsy influence of the cold and wet, and
fallen asleep.

I remember, just before dropping off, thinking the storm must be
increasing rather than otherwise, and vaguely wondering whether the wind
could possibly capsize the boat up here in the top of its runners.
However, my sleepiness was evidently greater than my fears on this
point, and I dropped off, leaving the question to decide itself.

The next thing I was conscious of was a strange noise overhead, and a
sudden dash of water on to the floor of the boat just beside me. Then,
before I could rub my eyes, or recollect where I was, the "Dreadnought"
seemed suddenly alive with people, some shouting, some cheering, while
the loud bell at the pierhead close by mingled its harsh voice with the
roar of the storm.

"Stand by--cut away there!" shouted a hoarse voice from the boat. Then
it flashed across me! The "Dreadnought" was putting out in this fearful
storm to some wreck, and--horrors!--Jack and I were in her!

"Wait, I say, wait! Jack and I are here. Let us out!" I cried.

In the noise, and darkness, and confusion, not even the nearest man
noticed me as I sprang up with this terrified shout.

I shook Jack wildly and shouted again, trying at the same time to make
my way to the stern of the boat.

But before I had crossed the first bench, before the two men seated
there with oars up, ready for the launch, perceived us, there was a
cheer from the jetty, the great boat gave a little jolt and then began
to slide, slowly at first, but gaining speed as she went on, and I knew
she was off.

That short, swift descent seemed to me like an eternity. The lights on
the jetty went out, the cheers were drowned, and--

A rough hand caught me where I stood half across the bench and drove me
back down beside Jack, who was yet too dazed to stir. Next instant w