his knowledge there was hope. Suddenly we found
ourselves in comparatively smooth water and out of the beat of the
wind. We had shot into the "lew" (sheltered) side of the rock, and
were able for a moment to rest.

"She is just around the point," said my father.

"Iss, Maaster Trewinion," was the reply.

"The question is, How can we get to them?" said my father. "If we try
to get our boat around there it means death for all of us. The only
means of saving the poor souls, if they are not all gone already, is
for us to scale the rock here and make our way to those on board. Then
they might be brought here one by one."

"You see'd her break on the rock didn' 'ee, Maaster Trewinion?" said
one.

"Yes," replied my father, "she broke close against the long prong."

"Then ef she edn't gone to pieces there may be hope," replied the man;
"but who can climb up here?"

"Two will be enough," said my father; "who'll go first?"

"Let me," said I.

"Not yet, Roger," said my father.

Two others immediately volunteered, and started to climb, but the rock
was slippery, and there was only one way by which the top could be
reached.

They failed in their attempt.

"Tie a rope round my waist, father," I cried. "I've climbed it many
times and know the way."

"Go, then, Roger, my boy, and may God preserve you."

It was only because of my boyish freaks that I knew the easiest way to
reach the summit of the rock. One day I had laid a wager with Wilfred
that I could climb to its summit, and so I had carefully examined it
when the tide was low, and after once climbing it, I had often gone
thither to hunt for the nests of sea-birds.

All my knowledge was necessary now. The stones were slippery as glass,
and I had to feel carefully for the jutting rocks in order to get from
one point to another. A false step, a bit of crumbling rock, a slip of
the hand would have destroyed our hopes, and perhaps have maimed me for
life, if not killed me. Providence, however, was in my favour. After
many a strain and many a struggle I reached the top.

I shall never forget the sight that met me. Even in the hour of death
I think I shall remember the terrible scene. Holding fast by a rugged
peak I could in the stormlight dimly see the five huge prongs of the
"Devil's Tooth," grim and ghastly; while upon them broke the great
black waves!

How the breakers roared! How the wind howled as it beat upon the great
rock on which I stood!