fine boat was kept ready to launch, which, though not a professed
lifeboat, from her having been fitted up by Uncle Boz, she possessed
many of the necessary qualifications for dangerous service. As soon as
we reached the house, Uncle Boz got out the apparatus I have described,
and gave it in charge of Ned Hollis, with Tom King as his lieutenant,
and the rest of us as crew. He directed us all to obey Hollis
implicitly. Hollis had not only been at sea, but had already superior
scientific attainments.

"Remember men's lives may depend on the way you manage that affair,
lads. Now bear it along with you to the beach, to the spot where the
ship is likely to come ashore. Deb, we'll be back for dinner I hope,
and shall not have worse appetites. Perhaps we may have a guest or
two," he added, as we went out.

We had not gone far before we met two of the coastguard men, who had
heard the firing. The head station, where the lieutenant resided, was
at a considerable distance, and it was feared that he had gone in an
opposite direction. Though the coastguard men would be of great
assistance, Hollis was still to have charge of the apparatus. Uncle Boz
having speedily made his arrangements, hurried off to the village, while
we continued our course along the beach. Behind us was a lofty
sand-hill, and Hollis ordered King and me to climb up to try and
discover the ship. It was bitter work, even on the beach, much worse
for the poor fellows wet through and through at sea. At first, on
reaching the top of the sand-hill, we could see nothing, but soon the
snow fell less densely, and through it we discovered the dim outline of
a large ship, now almost buried in the trough of the sea, now lifted to
the foaming summit of a wave as she drove onward towards the beach. Her
masts were gone, though her bowsprit remained. The tide was carrying
her somewhat along the beach, so that it seemed as if she would drift
not far from the harbour itself. While we were watching, the snow
ceased falling, and our interest was now turned towards the boat with
Uncle Boz and Bambo in her. She had just reached the mouth of the
harbour. It was perilous work. Huge seas were rolling in. A lull was
waited for. Out dashed the boat. It seemed as if it were impossible
she could live amid those troubled waters. How we held our breath as we
watched her progress. Now it seemed as if she were overwhelmed by the
curling, foaming seas; then again she emer