for
pickings. I pity any poor wretch who comes ashore and falls into their
hands. That scoundrel wouldn't be above robbing a castaway, and even
chocking out what little life remained in his body, if so be it looked
like he might tell. Keep a lookout for the rascals, boys. And all give a
hand here to get the boat out of the shed. We're going to have a hard
night of it, I'm afraid."

CHAPTER XXIII

DARRY IN THE LIFEBOAT

The boat was soon rolled out and placed where it could be quickly
launched at the word.

Mr. Frazer was not only the keeper of the station but the helmsman of
the lifeboat, which latter was a most responsible position, since he
must direct the movements of the men who pulled the oars, bring the boat
under the vessel in peril, manage to rescue as many of those aboard as
could be carried, and finally navigate the craft successfully to the
shore.

Darry looked upon him as a wonderful man, a hero, indeed, whose equal he
had never known.

There were signs of distress seaward. Through his night glasses Mr.
Frazer reported seeing a steamer in trouble. She had evidently gone on
the reef, having gotten out of her course in the wild storm, or else
because the wreckers further down the coast had deceived her navigator
by means of false beacons.

No matter, she was fast upon the treacherous reef and would likely fill
and be a wreck before morning, since her entire port side seemed
exposed to the fury of the waves.

It was a wonder how anything could remain on board and endure so
terrific a pounding; if later on she were washed free the chances were
there would be holes enough in her by that time to cause her to sink
like a shot.

The lifeboat could not get out to her any too soon.

Those on board were burning lights, and sending up rocket after rocket
to indicate that their need of assistance was great.

Still nothing could be done until the men on the detail came in.

Already it had been settled that unless assistance came speedily, in the
shape of a recruit to take the place of Tom, Darry would have to go.

The boy was in a fever of suspense, fearful that he might be cheated out
of the experience, as on the previous occasion.

Paul was quite useless because he knew so little about pulling an oar,
while as a sailor, with some years experience on a vessel, Darry was at
home on the water in any capacity.

"I certainly admire your grit, Darry," said Paul, shuddering as he
looked out at the