g discharging tubes emptied it in less than two
minutes; and the crew, supported by their cork life-belts, caught the
life-lines festooned round the boat's side for this very purpose, and
clambered into her.

Of the men of the wreck who had been tumbled into the sea along with
them, some clung to their rescuers, whose belts could easily sustain
two. Others were able to lay hold of the boat, and a few held on to the
floating wreckage till they were saved.

Suddenly the voice of Captain Millet was heard, "Hold on, lads; don't go
without me. My foot's jammed here, and I can't--"

He stopped abruptly, for the head of the mast plunged under water at the
moment, taking the captain along with it.

Without a word Jeff rose and sprang into the sea at the spot where his
friend had disappeared. Almost at the same moment the end of the mast
re-appeared, and struck our hero on the side with terrible violence. In
spite of the blow, however, he was able to free the captain, who was
caught by several strong arms, and hauled inboard at the same moment
that his rescuer laid hold of one of the hanging life-lines.

While they were still heaving at the captain, David Bowers heard Jeff's
voice--

"Your hand, Davy!"

The stout coastguardsman was not slow to obey and he received a grip
like that of a drowning man; but his mate made no other effort to save
himself.

"Help here, two of you," cried Bowers.

Another moment, and six brawny arms embraced Jeff, and lifted him into
the boat.

"Not hurt, I hope, Jeff?"

"Not much, Davy--at least not to speak of; only I'm a bit stunned. Just
let me lie here. One o' the _North Star's_ men can take my oar."

There was no time for delicate attentions or inquiries in the
circumstances, for the wreck of the mainmast had already given the boat,
strong though it was, some damaging lunges as it shot wildly to and fro
in the mad sea.

"All there?" demanded the coxswain of the saved men, who had been
rapidly counting their numbers.

"All here, thank God!" answered Captain Millet.

"Haul off, lads!"

The men laid hold of the hawser, and hauled with a will--not a moment
too soon, for the wreck was breaking up, and the sea around was strewn
with heavy timbers. Having hauled the boat up to her anchor, the latter
was got in, and the oars were shipped. These last being made fast to
the boat with strong lines, had not been lost in all the turmoil, though
two of them were broken. They were