y net and basket as far up the shore as I could, and held out
my hands to Bigley, who was looking out at me from the grotto-like
place.

"Why don't you come out?" I cried. "Can't you see the tide's coming
in?"

"Yes--yes," he said in a curious hollow voice, "I can see, but I can't
move. I'm stuck fast. Help!"

I felt a chill of horror, and in those moments saw the tide rising
higher and higher till it had filled the little cavern and drowned my
poor school-fellow, we his companions being unable to drag him out.

Those thoughts only occupied moments, but they made an impression that I
have never forgotten, and I don't think I ever shall have the memories
weakened.

I saw it all plainly enough. Poor fellow! He had been startled by the
incoming tide and tried to creep out, but not in about the only part
that would permit of his passing, but in the first that offered, and he
had become fixed, and, as in a few words he explained, the harder he
tried to free himself the tighter prisoner he became.

"Here, Bob! Bob!" I shouted in such a tone of anguish that he came
running from the back of the rocks to where I was standing knee-deep in
water.

"Get out!" he shouted as soon as he saw me. "You can come. Look here,
if you play me a trick like--"

"No, no, don't go," I shouted. "Bob: he's fast!"

Bob dashed down to me now as quickly as the rough place would let him.
He had thrown down his load at my first appeal for help, and as he came
splashing through the water he looked horribly pale.

He saw the position in an instant, and stood by me too much horrified to
act; and, as he told me afterwards, his thoughts were just like mine.
How long would it take to go to the Gap and bring Bigley's father with a
boat?

"Can't you get any farther?" I cried at last as a fresh wave came
rushing in, and nearly swept me off my legs.

"No; I'm fast; I can't move," said Bigley in a hoarse whisper. "Run for
help."

"No, no," shouted Bob. "Don't go, Sep. We must get him out."

The curious dreamy feeling of helplessness had left us both now; and,
taking hold of our companion's hands, we set our feet against the rock
and dragged with all our might, while poor Bigley struggled and
strained, but all in vain. He had by his unaided efforts got to a
certain distance and then stopped. Our united power did not move him an
inch.

We stopped at last panting, and all looking horror-stricken in each
other's faces. It was a c