im Dilks, but something told him that this
man was now before him, and he wondered if the son might not also be one
of the other prowlers beyond, since he evidently possessed the same kind
of savage instincts that characterized his father.

Darry had come as close as he deemed prudent when he saw the man start
forward with a sudden swoop, and seizing some object from the inflowing
wave drag it up on the shore.

There was no outcry to call the attention of others, for evidently this
was a game of "every man for himself," though possibly a division of
spoils might be made later on.

Horrified, Darry pressed closer, for he fancied he had seen a feeble
movement on the part of the figure drawn from the waves--doubtless
alone and unassisted the swimmer could never have crawled out on the
beach, but now that he was beyond reach of the waves, would the man who
had snatched him ashore do the slightest thing to keep the spark of life
from going out entirely?

He saw Jim Dilks bend eagerly down.

Closer still Darry pressed, unconscious in his eagerness to see that he
was placing his own life in danger.

The man who would not hesitate to rob the dead might go even further in
order to conceal his crime.

He saw Jiw Dilks hurriedly search through the pockets of the figure,
transfer a number of articles to his own person, and then with a growl
lift the body in his arms, giving it a toss that once more sent it
afloat.

The terrible nature of this act brought out a half-stifled cry from the
watching boy, and the wrecker, startled, wheeled to see him there.

He darted upon him like a wolf, and ere Darry could lift a hand to save
himself he was struck a severe blow on the head.

After that he knew nothing more.

When he opened his eyes later he found himself in the life-saving
station, and for a minute or so wondered what had happened, for as he
started to rise there was a severe pain in his head, and he sank back
with a sigh.

Then it all seemed to pass before him.

Again he could see the savage face of big Jim, as he turned like a
sheep-killing dog caught in the act, and once more Darry shivered with
the terrible thought that life had not wholly departed from the wretched
passenger from the ill-fated steamer at the time the wrecker tossed him
back into the merciless sea.

Who had found him, and brought him here, when evidently the lawless man
had intended that he should share the fate of the doomed passenger, and
thus