en hoped it might be Michael--but all his attention
was required for the management of the boat, and the rescued man,
exhausted, if not severely injured, was unable to reply himself.

Eban was gallantly striking out towards the man who still clung to the
spar, but he had miscalculated his strength--he made less rapid way than
at first. A cry reached him, "Help, mate! help!" He redoubled his
efforts; but before he could reach the spot he saw a hand raised up, and
as he grasped the spar he found that it was deserted. The brave fellow,
whoever he was, had sacrificed his own life to save that of his drowning
companion.

Eban, feeling that his own strength was going, shouted to those in the
boat to haul him on board, and he was himself well-nigh exhausted when
lifted over the side. One of Reuben's sons took his oar.

All further search for their missing friends proved in vain, and though
thankful that some had been saved, with sad hearts they commenced their
perilous return to the harbour.

Reuben's younger son, Simon Lanaherne, had gone aft and sat down by the
side of the rescued man.

"He is coming to, I believe."

"Which of the poor lads is he, Simon?" asked his father.

Simon felt the man's face and dress, bending his head down to try and
scan his features.

"I cannot quite make out; but I am nearly sure it is Michael Penguyne,"
answered Simon.

"I am main glad if it be he, for poor Nelly's sake," said Reuben. "Pull
up your starboard oars, lads, here comes a sea," he shouted, and a
tremendous wave came curling up from the westward.

The attention of every one was engaged in encountering the threatened
danger.

"Michael Penguyne! have I saved him?" muttered Eban Cowan, with a deep
groan. "He was destined to live through all dangers, then, and Nelly is
lost to me. Fool that I was to risk my life when I might have lot him
drown. No one could have said that I was guilty of his death."

Human ear did not listen to the words he uttered, and a voice came to
him, "You would have been guilty of his death if you could have saved
him and would not."

He had recovered sufficiently to sit up, and, as he gazed at the angry
sea around, his experienced eye told him that even now he and all with
him might be engulfed beneath it ere they could reach the shore.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nelly and her grandmother stood with the group of anxious watchers near
the bea