Down the beach they could catch glimpses of an illumination, and it seemed as though some of the coast patrol might be burning coster lights to signal the vessel on the reef.
Presently they would come back, when the lifeboat would be launched.
With material that was kept ready for just such an emergency a fire was immediately started.
Mr. Frazer was looking anxiously down the beach, and Darry heard him calling to Abner.
"I don't like the looks of things yonder. That fire is none of the work of our men. Jim Dilks and his wreckers must be over here looking for pickings. I pity any poor wretch who comes ashore and falls into their hands. That scoundrel wouldn't be above robbing a castaway, and even chocking out what little life remained in his body, if so be it looked like he might tell. Keep a lookout for the rascals, boys. And all give a hand here to get the boat out of the shed. We're going to have a hard night of it, I'm afraid."
CHAPTER XXIII
DARRY IN THE LIFEBOAT
The boat was soon rolled out and placed where it could be quickly launched at the word.