ed, father, it must not be out of the question. Can we let
our fellow creatures perish without making an effort to save them? If
we did so, I am sure we should never, either of us, be happy again. Do
let us go, father! I can help you in the rowing of the boat, and God
will protect us. Only think what it would be to save the lives of
those poor half-drowned men and women?"

"But I don't think it can be right, Grace."

"Oh, father, why do you lose time? It cannot be right to hesitate,"
said the girl, in convincing tones.

Mr. Darling looked anxiously through his telescope. It was scarcely
light, and there was a heavy mist hanging over the island. The wind
was not as violent as it had been, but the sea was still very furious.
William Darling strained his eyes as he looked through the good glass,
and presently he saw that which he looked for. About half-a-mile away,
there were the shipwrecked sufferers, still clinging to their only
hope, the broken pieces of the ship. He thought for a moment or two,
and Grace's earnest pleading prevailed. He knew that she never before
had been called upon to render such assistance; but he knew too, that
she was a brave girl, and would do her best.

"Very well, Grace; I will let you persuade me, though it is against my
better judgment."

Grace joyfully kissed her father, and he began to prepare.

"What will your mother say, Grace?" he asked the next moment.

The loving girl dreaded her more than the waves. Mrs. Darling, when
she heard of it, could not give her consent.

"Oh, William, I cannot believe that you will be so mad! If there has
been a shipwreck, and lives lost, what is the use of your adding your
own death to the number? Nothing can save you. The boat will not live
ten minutes in such a sea."

"Oh yes, my dear; I think we will come back again all right. Don't
make yourself miserable for nothing," said her husband.

"Do you not care, William, that you leave me a desolate widow, with
none to provide for me? You are wicked to go. It is tempting
Providence, and you ought to be afraid to do it," said the wife,
through her tears.

"Hush! mother dear," said Grace. "Indeed, we must go. How can we
remain quietly here, while our fellow creatures are crying out for
help?"

"Grace, you are a foolish girl; you ought not to urge your father to
lose his life, nor to be so willing to risk your own. Think of me, and
what I shall do if both of you are drowned."