he latter being afraid of trusting themselves
alone. The boat was already full, and as yet no casualty had occurred;
but the danger was every instant increasing. The tide was rising, the
sea striking with fearful violence against the side of the ship, making
every timber in her quiver. It need not be told how heartily those who
now reached the shore were welcomed by the party already on the beach--
how his wife and children clung round Mr Bolton; how Emily and May
pressed Charles' hand; and how, in voluble language, Mrs Clagget
expressed her satisfaction at seeing her fellow-passengers out of the
terrible wreck.

Harry, without stopping a moment after the last person had landed, again
pulled across the bay. Already several of the sailors were seen making
their way along the hawser independent of the cradle. As the boat
approached, they then dropped one by one into her. Bill Windy rated
them for not remaining on board.

"You should have stopped to get up provisions, you rascals," he
exclaimed. "How are all these people to be fed?"

"Little hope of getting provisions or anything else," answered one of
the men, "when the chances are that the ship will be knocked to pieces,
or go down before the day is many minutes older."

"Greater need for you to have stopped and helped to get them into the
boat," said Windy. "But, bear a hand, and assist these people off the
cradle."

The same operation as before was repeated, till the boat was once more
full, all the remaining women and children being got into her.

A rush was now seen to take place towards the forecastle, and a heavy
sea struck the after-part of the ship, carrying away a large portion of
the stern upper works. What would next happen it was not difficult to
foretell. Several unfortunate people who had remained there were hurled
into the surf. In vain they struggled--no assistance could be given
them--and, one by one, they were carried away. Had anything been
necessary to make the nigh worn-out crew of the boat increase their
exertions, this would have done so. Happily, the hawser still remained
secure. Harry shouted to the master, who unflinchingly was standing on
the forecastle directing the landing of the people, to put himself into
the cradle. "No, no," he answered. "Not while a man remains on board
will I quit the ship." At length, contrary to the expectations of many,
nearly all the surviving passengers and crew were got safely into the
boat