lay supported
against Roland, and one of his hands held the boat-cloak across her.

"Yes, here," said Cashel, with a voice and manner that made the color
mount to her cheeks and as suddenly desert them again.

Meanwhile the lieutenant had gone below, and reappeared with a chart,
over which he and the pilot now bent in the deepest consideration.

"Then that must have been the 'Calf' Light we saw to the eastward," said
Sickleton, pointing to the map.

"I 'd say so too," replied the other, "if such a run did n't seem
impossible; but we only tripped our anchor last night before sunset."

"Ten hours, though!--one can do a deal in ten hours!" said the
lieutenant.

"It may be worth as many years sometimes!" said Cashel, in a whisper to
her at his side.

"Breakers right ahead!" shouted the man at the bow.

"We 're among the 'Barrels!'" cried, the pilot; "back the topsail! down
mainsail!--"

But it was too late! Like a sea-bird rising to its flight, the light
craft bounded forward, till her shining copper glanced above the waves,
and then, with a spring, dashed onward, amid the foam and spray that
rose like a mist around her. The frothy shower flew over the deck, while
the hissing water spurted up on every side with a crashing, splintering
sound. The keel came down, and while a loud cry broke forth, "She 's
struck!" the mast snapped suddenly across, and fell with its draped
rigging into the sea.

"Stand by! cut away the boats!" shouted Sickleton; and seizing a
hatchet, gave the example himself, while Cashel, lifting the now
lifeless form of Lady Kilgoff, placed her in the boat. The confusion and
terror became now extreme. The breaking sea had already forced its way
through the vessel's bottom, and issued in a clear jet of blue water
from the hatchways. The first boat launched was rapidly crowded, and
scarcely had it touched the water than it was swamped. For an instant
the struggling figures were seen battling with the waves, but in a
moment after they were gone!

Mainly through Sickleton and Cashel's exertions, the second boat was got
ready, and just about to be launched, when Roland turned to seek Lord
Kilgoff, whom, up to that moment, he had entirely forgotten. Scarcely
had he reached the binnacle, when the old man, pale and almost dead with
terror, stood before him. "Is she safe, sir?--is my Lady safe?" cried
he, tremulously.

"Quite so; come along, there 's not a moment to lose."

"Oh, Mr. Cashel, do not l