or
danger to Pauline! As her brother stood at the oar, quivering as much
from weakness as exertion, she understood it all. But she was brave,
and she could swim. This latter fact lent her additional confidence.
Best of all, she had faith in God, and her spirit was calmed, for,
whether life or death lay before her, she knew that her soul was "safe."

As Dominick had prophesied, the next wave took them fairly in its grasp.
For a few moments the water hissed and gurgled round them. The
steersman seemed to lose control for a second or two, but quickly
recovered. Then there was a bound, as if the boat had been shot from a
catapult, and the billow fell. A tremendous roar, tumultuous foam all
round, increasing speed! The land appeared to be rushing at them, when
Dominick's oar snapped suddenly, and he went overboard. A shriek from
Pauline and a shout from Otto rose high above the din of raging water,
as the boat broached-to and hurled its remaining occupants into the sea.

Even in that trying moment Dominick did not lose presence of mind. He
could swim and dive like a water-rat. Pushing towards his brother and
sister, who were heading bravely for the shore, he shouted, "Dig your
fingers and toes deep into the sand, and hold on for life, if--" (he
corrected himself) "_when_ you gain the beach."

It was well they were forewarned, and that they were constitutionally
obedient. A few minutes later, and they were all swept up high on the
beach in a wilderness of foam. The return of that wilderness was like
the rushing of a millrace. Sand, stones, sticks, and seaweed went back
with it in dire confusion. Prone on their knees, with fingers and toes
fixed, and heads down, the brothers and sister met the rush. It was
almost too much for them. A moment more, and strength as well as breath
would have failed; but the danger passed, and Dominick sprang to his
feet.

"Up, up! and run!" he shouted, as he caught Pauline round the waist and
dragged her on. Otto needed no help. They were barely in time. The
succeeding wave roared after them as if maddened at having lost its
prey, and the foaming water was up with them, and almost round their
knees, ere its fury was quite spent.

"Safe!" exclaimed Dominick.

"Thank God!" murmured Pauline, as she sank exhausted on the sand.

Otto, who had never seen his sister in such a state before, ran to her,
and, kneeling down, anxiously seized one of her hands.

"Never fear, lad,"