came crowding on
deck, all eager to get on shore. It was, however, no easy matter to do
so. The sea came rushing round the ship, between which and the dry
rocks the distance was considerable, so that anybody attempting to swim
to them would have been swept away. One small boat alone remained, the
rest had been knocked to pieces. In this only two rowers could sit, and
a couple of passengers at the most. As far, however, as we could see on
either side the surf broke too furiously to allow her to land, so that
she could, we feared, be of no use.

At length my brother cried out, "We'll go in her; there is one place
just inside the ship where we can jump on shore with a line. If we can
do that we'll carry a hawser to the rocks, and all the people may land."

The two mids and Kelson agreed to go in the boat, towing a light line.
We watched them anxiously. The water tossed and foamed around them, and
they had hard work to contend with the reflux of the sea. Earnestly I
prayed that they might be protected and succeed, both for their sakes
and ours. A shout of joy and thankfulness burst from the lookers-on as
Kelson leaped on the rock, followed by the two midshipmen, who instantly
hauled the boat up out of harm's way. A hawser had been prepared, which
they at once hauled on shore and secured. A cradle was next fitted to
it by the seamen, under O'Carroll's directions. It was a question who
was to go forth to prove it. At that moment Jacotot made his appearance
on deck. He was told that he must go on shore. He was secured
forthwith to the cradle. In vain he struggled and protested: he was
quickly drawn across. His son and Jack followed. Two men then went to
assist in hauling the passengers across. They were placed, one after
the other, in the cradle and landed in safety. I was thankful when they
were all on shore. There they stood, grouped together, gazing
helplessly at the ship, not knowing what to do. There was no one to
guide them. Those wretches, the master and his mate, still remained
utterly helpless in the cabin. Half the crew of the ship had been lost,
and the young mate, who might have exercised some authority. From what
I saw of the remainder of the crew I was afraid that they were mostly a
very bad set. I dreaded their breaking into the spirit-room--which
seamen often do under such circumstances. To prevent this it was
necessary to keep them amply employed; we urged them, therefore, to land
a