Mr. Frazer was not only the keeper of the station but the helmsman of the lifeboat, which latter was a most responsible position, since he must direct the movements of the men who pulled the oars, bring the boat under the vessel in peril, manage to rescue as many of those aboard as could be carried, and finally navigate the craft successfully to the shore.
Darry looked upon him as a wonderful man, a hero, indeed, whose equal he had never known.
There were signs of distress seaward. Through his night glasses Mr. Frazer reported seeing a steamer in trouble. She had evidently gone on the reef, having gotten out of her course in the wild storm, or else because the wreckers further down the coast had deceived her navigator by means of false beacons.
No matter, she was fast upon the treacherous reef and would likely fill and be a wreck before morning, since her entire port side seemed exposed to the fury of the waves.
It was a wonder how anything could remain on board and endure so terrific a pounding; if later on she were washed free the chances were there would be holes enough in her by that time to cause her to sink like a shot.
The lifeboat could not get out to her any too soon.
Those on board were burning lights, and sending up rocket after rocket to indicate that their need of assistance was great.
Still nothing could be done until the men on the detail came in.
Already it had been settled that unless assistance came speedily, in the shape of a recruit to take the place of Tom, Darry would have to go.
The boy was in a fever of suspense, fearful that he might be cheated out of the experience, as on the previous occasion.