t, if it
were kind, would carry him well over the rocks, and head him for the
distant beach.

It was in sheer desperation that he seized upon his sailor's knife and
severed the ropes that thus far had held so securely.

Then he awaited the coming of the next comber with set teeth, and held
his breath.

A few seconds and it was upon him.

This time the spar, as well as the clinging lad, went sweeping over the
side of the vessel, and carried safely above the reef, started in
toward the beach on a roller that seemed gigantic.

The spray was in his eyes, so that he could hardly see at all, but at
that moment Darry thought he glimpsed a light somewhere ahead; and what
the captain had told him about the gallant life savers flashed into his
mind.

Somehow, it seemed to give the despairing boy renewed hope.

Perhaps these brave men were watching for the coming of just such
flotsam from the wreck, which they must have sighted when the lightning
flashed; and would find some means for plucking him out of the raging
sea.

CHAPTER II

SAVED BY THE LIFE CHAIN

The line of reefs stood as a barrier to the sea, and after the waves
came in contact with the rocks they continued on their course with less
violence than before.

Still, it was terrible enough to any one exposed to their fury.

Hope soars high in the breast of youth, however, and life is sweet, so
that our hero continued to struggle against the forces to which he found
himself exposed.

Again had his eyes caught a glimpse of a burning light on the shore, and
somehow it gave him renewed courage to hold on, for he seemed to
understand that determined hearts were waiting there, eager to give him
a helping hand.

Then some object sped past him, and he caught the sight of flashing
oars.

It was the lifeboat!

In spite of the great danger involved in the undertaking, the coast
guards had succeeded in launching their boat, and were even now heading
toward the wreck on the reef; though the chances of finding a single
living soul aboard seemed small indeed, for the billows were breaking
completely over her, and she must soon go to pieces.

Darry tried to call out, but his mouth filled with salty water, and in
despair he saw the boat pass him by.

Even the lightning failed to illumine the scene just then, or some eager
eye might have detected the floating spar and its human burden.

No hope remained save that he might be tossed up on the beach somewher