ing through the race to the southward of the
Lizard.

When off the Stags he could distinguish people moving along the shore.
He had been seen by them he knew, and perhaps a boat might be launched
and come to his rescue. There was no time, however, for consideration.
What he had to do must be promptly done.

The water in the bay was somewhat smoother than it had hitherto been.
In a moment his sail was lowered and his anchor let go. The rain came
down heavily.

"The wind is falling," he thought; "I will wait till the turn of the
tide, when, perhaps, there will be less surf on."

He could see the people on the shore watching him, but no attempt was
made to launch a boat; indeed he knew that no boat could pass that
foaming barrier in safety. He sat down with folded arms, waiting the
progress of events. His mind was occupied for a time rather with those
at home than about himself; he thought of little Nelly and of Dame
Lanreath, and of the kind friend of his youth who had, though he knew it
not at that time, left this world of toil and trouble. He had a simple
faith in the merits of One Who had died for him, and he had perfect
trust, not in his own honesty and uprightness, but in the merits and
all-sufficient atonement of that loving Saviour Who died for him. He
could therefore, young as he was, calmly contemplate the probability of
being unable after all to reach the shore. Still he would not allow
himself to dwell long on that matter.

He was soon aroused indeed to exertion by finding the seas breaking into
his boat. He bailed away as fast as they came on board. But he saw
that he must abandon all hope of remaining where he was. Should he stay
much longer the boat might be swamped; the surf, too, might increase,
and more effectually than at present bar his progress to the shore.
Another huge sea rolling in half filled his boat. Undaunted, he bailed
it out. A second of like size might sink her.

Evening was coming on; he must dare the fearful passage through the
breakers, or perish where he was. He stood up, holding on to the mast,
that he might survey the shore. He was abreast of the best place for
landing, although he was convinced there were rocks to the north and
south of him, their black heads appearing every now and then amid the
snow-white foam. In a moment, should his boat touch them, they would
dash her to fragments.

Promptly Michael made up his mind what to do. Hoisting his foresail he
ca