far enough out to
avoid the perils that hover about Kitty Hawk and Hatteras.

She was in a bad position, having gone ashore, or been washed aground,
so that her whole quarter was exposed to the sweep of the boiling sea.

Through the flying spray they could see numerous figures along the lee
rail of the vessel, hanging on desperately, while now and then the water
would sweep over the deck, and at such times a chorus of screams told
that there were other than men there, women half frightened out of their
senses by the peril.

The surfboat was, after some maneuvering, gotten in such a position
under the lee of the steamer that a rope could be thrown aboard.

Then a woman was lowered by means of this, and safely stowed away.

As the rope had been fastened to the boat there was no longer necessity
for the crew to strain at the oars, consequently they were at liberty to
assist in caring for those sent down by the steamer's crew, working
under the direction of a cool, level-headed captain.

Darry had cast off his oilskins, as being in the way.

A wetting was of small moment anyway to one so warm-blooded as he, and
the cumbersome garments impeded his movements, since they were meant for
a big man.

The sleeve of his shirt had also become torn in some way and flapped
loose until he tucked it up out of the way.

All unconscious of the picturesque figure he made he continued to work
with all his might, helping to receive the women and children as they
were slipped over the side.

Many an eye was attracted toward him as seen by the light of the
lanterns that were held over the side of the steamer to aid the workers,
and more than one wondered how it came that a mere lad was to be found
keeping company with these hardy men of the coast, seasoned to storms,
and able to defy the rigors of the cold.

It was no easy task to take on a load of the passengers under such
conditions.

Only when the surfboat rose on a billow could they be lowered, for at
other times the distance was so great that the deck of the steamer
looked as far away as the roof of a tall building.

Yet, thanks to the ability of the steamer captain, and the experience of
the surfmen below, the shipping of the women and children was
accomplished with but a single accident.

One child dropped off the rope, having been insecurely fastened, and
with the shrieks of the women fell into the sea, but hardly had she
reached the water than with a splash Darry was