point Bax thought it possible that the end of
the line might be conveyed on board the "Trident," which could be seen
looming high and black in the murky air, lifting and falling with a
heavy crash as each successive billow broke under and over her, carrying
on with irresistible violence the work of destruction. Both chains had
given way, and she was now rolling a helpless wreck on the rocks.

"D'ye mean to try it?" said Guy, anxiously, as he observed his friend
fastening the line round his waist.

"Hold the end of it, Guy, and pay out," said Bax, "mind you don't haul
in unless you're _sure_ I'm goin' down."

With this caution, Bax plunged into the surf, and struck out for the
wreck, having previously placed an open clasp-knife between his teeth.

A cheer broke from the nearest group on the rocks when they witnessed
this bold act. It was taken up and re-echoed by those farther up the
beach, who knew that some hopeful effort was being made, although they
were unable to perceive the precise nature of it. The people on the
wreck also heard the cheer, and looked eagerly landward. But to them
all was shrouded in darkness. Even Guy quickly lost sight of his
friend, and was only made aware of his safety and onward progress by the
continued running out of the line. Suddenly it stopped.

"He's a-board," cried Coleman.

"He would jerk on it if he was," said Guy, with a doubtful shake of the
head.

"He's sunk," cried one of those who stood by and held the slack of the
rope.

A panic seemed to seize the others who stood by. "Haul 'im in!" cried
one. "Look alive!" shouted another, "he's a gone man." Before Guy
could interfere, they acted on the impulse, and drew in two or three
fathoms.

Twisting his left arm suddenly round the rope, Guy planted his foot on a
rock and stopped it; at the same time he raised his right hand, and
threatened to fell the man nearest to him. The result was that the men
desisted from hauling, but when the rope was again felt it became
evident that there was no weight at the farther end of it. Guy's heart
sank with horror as the empty line was drawn in. For a moment he felt
all the agony of despair; but a gleam of hope rushed in upon him on
observing that the end of the rope was _cut_, as if with a sharp knife,
not by the edge of a rock.

Animated by this hope he hastened back to the beach in quest of another
line, resolved himself to attempt to carry it to the wreck.

Guy was right