sband, old Jonathan Jefferies, a fisherman, when out on his calling,
had perished during the gale in the night. He could sympathise with
her, and as far as money help was concerned, he promised all in his
power. With an almost broken heart he returned home to give the sad
news to his wife and family.

Poor Mrs Merryweather, she was even still more to be pitied. To have
her son restored to her, and then to find him snatched away again so
suddenly, perhaps for ever!

Day after day passed by, and no news came of the much-loved missing
ones.

CHAPTER TWO.

ON THE ROCKS--A BRAVE LAD--SAVED--TRISTRAM'S FATE--STILL IN A BOAT.

"David, you must try to swim on shore, and save yourself," exclaimed
Harry Merryweather, looking at the foaming seas, which now began, with a
deafening noise, to dash furiously round the rock on which he and his
friend stood. "If you don't go soon, you will not be able to get there
at all. Leave me, I beg you. There is no reason why both should be
lost."

"No indeed, that I will not," answered David, stoutly. "If I thought
that I could get help by trying to swim on shore I would go, but I do
not think there is a place near where I could find a boat."

Harry did not speak for a minute or two.

At last he put his hand on David's shoulder, and said, "I ask you again
to swim on shore by yourself. I will pray for you as you are swimming,
and you shall pray for me when you reach the beach. My dear mother
taught me to pray when I was a child, and she has ever shown to me that
God hears all faithful prayers, and in His good time grants them; so
that I have always prayed since I went to sea, both when I was turning
into my hammock, and when I was turning out; and I knew that my mother
was praying for me too, for she is always praying for me; and I know
that God hears those prayers, so you see that makes me very brave. I am
sure that I can trust Him."

"I am so glad to hear you say that," answered David. "My father was
teaching us just the same thing after reading the Bible at prayers the
other night. It's true--it's true, I know."

"Then trust to Him, and do as I ask you," said Harry, earnestly. "Take
off your jacket and shoes at all events--you will be back in time to
save them and me also."

"I don't like leaving you at all, but I will do as you wish," exclaimed
David, after a moment's further thought, taking off his jacket. As he
did so he turned his head round seaward. "Hillo!