e elicited all that it was needful to know. The
flash of a gun from the _South-Sand-Head_ lightship, about six miles
distant, had been seen, followed by a rocket, indicating that a vessel
had got upon the fatal Goodwins. While the men spoke, I saw the bright
flash of another gun, but heard no report, owing to the gale carrying
the sound to leeward. A rocket followed, and at the same moment we
observed the light of the vessel in distress just on the southern tail
of the Sands. By this time our gun was charged, and the rocket in
position. "Look alive, Jack! get the poker," cried the mate, as he
primed the gun. Jack dived down the companion hatch, and in another
moment returned with a red-hot poker, which the mate had thrust into the
cabin fire at the first alarm. Jack applied it in quick succession to
the gun and the rocket. A blinding flash and deafening crash were
followed by the whiz of the rocket as it sprang with a magnificent curve
far away into the surrounding darkness. This was our answer to the
_South-Sand-Head_ light, which, having fired three guns and three
rockets to attract our attention, now ceased firing. It was also our
note of warning to the look-out on the pier of Ramsgate Harbour.
"That's a beauty," said our mate, referring to the rocket; "get up
another, Jack; sponge her well out. Jacobs, we'll give 'em another shot
in a few minutes." Loud and clear were both our signals; but four and a
half miles of distance and a fresh gale neutralised their influence.
The look-out did not see them. In less than five minutes the gun and
rocket were fired again. Still no answering signal came from Ramsgate.
"Load the weather gun," said the mate. Jacobs obeyed; and I sought
shelter under the lee of the weather bulwarks, for the wind appeared to
be composed of pen-knives and needles. Our third gun thundered forth,
and shook the lightship from stem to stern; but the rocket struck the
rigging, and made a low, wavering flight. Another was therefore sent
up; but it had scarcely cut its bright line across the sky, when we
observed the answering signal--a rocket from Ramsgate Pier.

"That's all right now, sir; our work is done," said the mate, as he went
below, and, divesting himself of his outer garments, quietly turned in;
while the watch, having sponged out and re-covered the gun, resumed
their active perambulation of the deck. I confess that I felt somewhat
disappointed at this sudden termination of the n