. He got down as close to the
water as he dared go, for the seas were dashing so high up the rock that
he might easily be carried away by them--indeed, he was already wet
through and through with the spray, which was flying in dense sheets
over the rock, and in a few minutes more it seemed to him that it would
be completely overwhelmed--indeed, any moment a sea might sweep over it.
Harry had a brave heart, and as long as he had life was not likely to
lose courage. He showed his coolness, indeed, for believing that the
cask would soon reach him, he deliberately tied David's jacket and shoes
round his waist, that he might have the pleasure of restoring them to
him. He had observed how David slipped into the water. There came the
cask, nearer and nearer. Before it had time to touch the rock, he slid
down into the sea, and struck out boldly for it, and throwing his arms
over it caught the rope to which it was made fast, and drew himself up
till his chest rested on it.

He then shouted at the top of his voice, "Haul in--all right." David,
however, could not hear him: but having watched him with intense
eagerness, now began slowly to haul in the rope, while the old man and
boy pulled the boat further off the rock. Harry held firmly on, though
he almost lost his breath by the waters, which dashed in his face. He
kept his senses, however, and had the wisdom to strike out with all his
might with his feet, which greatly helped him on, and took off the drag
from his arms which they would otherwise have felt.

As he rose to the top of a sea he again shouted out every now and then,
"All right--haul away." He was, however, not much inclined to shout by
the time he got up to the stern of the boat. David, with the help of
the old man, then quickly hauled him on board.

"And you have brought me my jacket and shoes," exclaimed David, gladly
putting them on, for he felt very cold directly the exertions he had
just gone through ceased. The boys sincerely thanked God in their
hearts that they were saved--though but a very few audible words of
thanksgiving were uttered. No time, indeed, was to be lost in getting
away from the rock.

The old man told David to go to the helm. "And you other young master
take my oar and pull with all your might, while I sets the sails," he
added. A sprit-mainsail, much the worse for wear, and a little rag of a
foresail were soon set. It was as much sail as the boat in the rising
gale could ca