The night by this time had become wild and fearful. The wind shrieked viciously; the waves broke ashore with a hungry roar; and from the swart clouds came down squalls of rain, merging land and lights and sea and sky in one blur of desolation.
There was no more to be seen. The crew of the stranded trawler deemed it safe to remain where they were. So we curious Cockneys, perceiving no hope of further fresh sensations, hastened us home to cosy beds and warmth.
I had just gone to sleep when a boom that shook the bed roused me with a start.
I jumped up and went to the window.
A signal-rocket had been fired from the coastguard station opposite our lodging.
THE LIFEBOAT.