nd during the six hours which had passed since they
went to bed the wind had abated in force somewhat. The sky was full of
black, angry-looking clouds, but the moon was struggling to make
herself seen. On the whole, it was not a dark night, and the children
found no difficulty whatever in seeing the well-worn path which led
through their field to the beach. If they had been doubtful of the way
they would have been guided by the bonfires, and by an occasional rocket
which shot up into the air; but as it was they knew the road well, and
excepting when the moon was hidden for a moment behind a cloud, all was
bright around them.

They soon reached the beach, and were there just in time to see the men
from the station bring down the life-boat. It was a hard pull through
the sand, but the feat was soon accomplished, and the boat was left near
the water's edge, to be ready in case the line from the mortar should
fail to reach the wreck.

[Illustration: The Life-boat]

The mortar was standing there, and the men were preparing to send out
the line which was to bring succor to the terrified passengers on the
wreck. At the word of command the string was pulled--"_Bang_," and off
went the line, curving through the air. Every one watched in breathless
anxiety to see if it would reach the ship. Yes, on it went, and then
dropped down upon the deck.

A shout of joy rose up from the crowd upon the beach, and it must have
been answered by those on the wreck, but every sound was lost in the
roaring of the wind and of the angry waves. In an instant a stronger
line was attached, and to that, after being drawn on board and securely
fastened to the mast, a little car was attached and was quickly drawn on
board. Into this car one human being could get at a time, and could be
drawn over the breakers safely to the shore.

The work of the night now began in earnest. Back and forth went the car.
Sometimes it brought back a little child, sometimes a papa or mamma, and
at last the sailors one by one, and then, last of all, the faithful
captain, who would not leave his ship until he had seen all his
passengers and crew safely on the land.

When they began working the car Lucy and Ollie stood by looking on, and
longing to help those brave men. But they were only little girls, and
what could they do?

"Ollie," said Lucy, "I have an idea. Do you see that bonfire? It is
nearly out. If you will gather some sticks and build it up again, I will
run