and some more of the fishermen just
beyond the reach of the waves. Then first one and then another made a
rush at what looked at a distance like a piece of wood, tossed here and
there by the great billows. Into this they struck the boat-hook, and
ran with it shoreward, the piece of wood which looked so small proving
to be a deal that was a pretty good weight for two men to carry.

Quite a stack of these were dragged from the waves, some perfectly
uninjured, others snapped in two, others again twisted and torn asunder,
leaving long ragged threads of fibre, while others again were regularly
beaten by the waves and rocks, so that the ends were like bunches of
wood gnawed by some monster into shreds.

They went back to dinner and returned towards evening, Uncle Abram
giving it as his opinion that the worst of the gale was not over yet,
and pointing to the glass that hung in the passage for corroboration.

"Lower than she's been for months," said the old gentleman. "I hope no
ship won't get caught in the bay."

_Boom, bom_!

"What's that?" cried Mr Temple quickly.

"It's what I hoped would not happen, sir," said the old man, taking off
his hat; "a ship in distress, and may--"

He did not finish his sentence aloud, but closed his eyes, and they saw
his lips move for a few moments, before, clapping on his hat again, he
cried:

"Let's go down to the beach, sir. 'Tisn't likely, but we might be able
to do some good. Ah! there she is speaking again."

_Boom, bom_!

The hoarse echoing report of a large gun heard plainly above the roar of
the storm, and hastily putting on his great yellow oilskin coat, old
Uncle Abram led the way towards the shore.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT.

A BRAVE ACT FOR A DARING MAN MAY BE HEROISM IN A GALLANT BOY.

"There she is, Master Dickard, sir," shouted Josh, as the little party
reached the shore down by the pilchard-house, and he pointed out over
the foaming sea.

"I can see nothing but mist," said Dick excitedly.

"That's the foam," said Josh; "but I can see her plain--three-master--
quite a big ship."

"Will she get into the harbour, Josh?" said Dick, with his lips to the
fisherman's ear.

Josh looked at him solemnly and then shook his head.

"One of our luggers couldn't do it, Master Dick, with a wind like this,
let alone a big ship."

"What will happen then?" cried Dick excitedly.

"Rocks--go on the Six Pins, I should say. That's where the current'll
take her--eh, m