without the aid of a steamer.

All the women and children, and some of the male passengers, had been
safely conveyed to the tug, when an accident happened which well-nigh
destroyed the boat. This was the sudden falling of the mainmast of the
"Trident." With a rending crash it fell on the boat, overturned it, and
held it down, so that its self-righting principle was neutralised. The
crew being secured against sinking by their life-jackets, succeeded in
clambering into the ship--many of them more or less bruised and cut.
The coxswain, however, did not appear; he seemed to have been lost.

"He's under the boat!" gasped Guy, who having been entangled in the
wreck of the mast was the last to get on board.

"Axes, men!" shouted the Captain of the "Trident."

"A hundred pounds to the man who saves him!" cried a voice from the
quarter-deck.

Who is this that is so liberal of his gold at a time when a hundred
thousand pounds could not avail to save one hair of his own head? He
clings to the mizzen-shrouds with a face so ashy pale that Guy Foster
scarce recognises his own uncle! Ah! Denham, you have seen a storm and
a wreck at last, in circumstances you little dreamed of when, years ago,
Guy predicted that you would "change your mind" in regard to these
matters; and it would seem that your experience has done you no little
good!

But, although Mr Denham shouted his best, no one heard him. Not the
less on that account, however, did the strong men wield their axes and
hew asunder the tough ropes and spars. Bax, as usual, was prominent in
action. He toiled as if for life; and so it was for life, though not
his own. Small was the hope, yet it was enough to justify the toil.
The curvature of the lifeboat was so great that it was possible a
portion of air sufficient to maintain life might be confined within it.
And so it turned out. For twenty minutes they toiled; the boat was
finally cleared; Bax struck the blow that set it free, and dragged the
coxswain out as it turned over. He was found to be alive though almost
exhausted!

Once more they pushed off with a full load of human beings. Among them
were Mr Denham, Bax, and Tommy Bogey. The greater part of the crew,
and some of the male passengers, still remained in the wreck awaiting
their turn.

When the boat had advanced about a hundred yards a cry of distress was
heard, but the noise of wind and waves was so great that they thought it
might have been mere ima