seaward to the north-west, where, amid the
spray, we made out a large vessel on shore.

Presently we saw a carriage dragged by four horses, coming along at a
great rate, and as it came up we discovered that it contained the
lifeboat. Reaching the shore, it was turned round, with the back of the
carriage, on which the bow of the lifeboat rested, towards the sea. The
horses were now made to back it nearer and nearer the water. I felt so
eager to witness the proceedings that I would have given anything to go
off with the gallant crew.

"Now, lads! on board!" cried the coxswain.

As he uttered the words, not only the crew but a number of other persons
rushed down to the side of the boat. I found myself among them. In one
instant the crew leapt on board, and, seized by a sudden impulse, I too
sprang up the side, and slid down into the bottom of the boat. The
coxswain was standing up, watching the seas as they rolled in. That
moment was a favourable one for launching the boat, and, crying out to
the men on the beach to haul away on the detaching lines, the boat, ere
two seconds had passed, began to glide towards the raging billows. The
crew had seized their oars, and were already giving way. Bravely the
boat rolled over the first sea she encountered; and in less than a
minute--before I was discovered--she was far from the beach, and pulling
swiftly away out to sea. Now, for the first time, the coxswain, casting
his eyes down, beheld me.

"Where do you come from, my lad?" he exclaimed; "you have no business
here."

"I was on board before I had time to think about that," I answered. "I
beg your pardon; but now that I am here I hope that you will let me
remain."

"Provided you are not washed out of the boat," he replied. "Here, take
one of these cork-jackets and put it on, and then sit quiet. Whatever
happens, hold fast,--or, stay, lash yourself down; remember your life
depends upon it."

I did as he directed, and had now time to reflect on the folly of my
proceeding--not that I feared for myself, but I knew papa and the rest
of our party would be dreadfully anxious when they missed me.

The coxswain took no further notice of me. He had enough to do to
attend to the steerage of the boat. I confess that before many minutes
were over I wished myself back safe on shore. Still, I kept up my
spirits; my only regret was that I had got on board without papa's
leave, and that he, and Oliver and Uncle Tom, and