, unbearable
misery seemed so terrible.

[Illustration: THE DISCOVERY.]

George only answered, "Please the Lord, Master Willie, it may not be so
bad as that;" and hastily drawing in the boat to the rocks, he leapt
ashore, and made his way, in less time than it takes to relate, to where
my cousin was lying. Ralph and I got ashore also, but my knees trembled
so that I could not stand, but sunk down upon the rock. Ralph flung the
rope to me. "Keep her from drifting, master," he said, "and I'll run and
help grandfather."

It was a moment of terrible suspense. Groves knelt at Aleck's side, bent
his cheek down to his lips, then listened for the beating of his
heart--he might have heard mine at that minute--and then turning towards
me he exclaimed, "He's still alive!"

I had courage to move now, and fastening the rope, I came and stood by
Groves, as he knelt on the beach beside Aleck. I could scarcely believe
it was not death when I looked at the colourless face and closed eyes,
and needed all Groves' reassurance to convince me that he had not been
mistaken when he said my cousin was still alive.

"Thank God, Master Willie, we came when we did!" he added reverently,
and pointing to the waves as they washed up to our feet; "ten minutes
more, and the tide will be up over this place where he's lying. We must
move him at once--but he's deadly cold. Off with your jacket, Ralph and
put it over him, and--oh! see here!" he pointed to the arm which hung
down heavily as he gently raised the unconscious form,--"the arm's
broken."

The question now was how we were to get him home. By land it would not
be more than an hour's climb; but then a _climb_ it must be, and this
was almost impossible under the circumstances; whilst, on the other
hand, with the wind no longer in our favour, it would be a good two
hours getting back by water, and there was the anxiety of not being able
to let my father know.

Whilst George was anxiously deliberating with himself--for neither of us
boys were in a state to offer any suggestions--we looked up, and saw my
father rapidly descending the hill-side.

In another moment he stood in the midst of our little group, and had
heard how it was with my cousin. "I feared so," he said, "when I saw you
all standing together. Thank God, the child is still alive!"

There was no longer any questioning of what was best to be done. My
father was always able to decide things in a moment. "It would be too
great a r