[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.
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