All that time those devoted men must be on the watch, ready to man their surfboat again and take their lives in hand, should another vessel strike the dangerous reefs that were marked upon the chart as the worst within a hundred miles of Hatteras.
Sick at heart over the loss of his wise friend and benefactor, Darry found the interior of the station almost unbearable just then.
He felt as though he must get outside where the elements rioted, and watch the incoming waves for some sign of the captain.
But this new-found friend declared that it could do no good, since the beach was already patrolled by those whose keen eyes would discover the faintest trace of a brave swimmer trying to buffet the cruel waves; he must remain under cover, so as to escape the possible evil results of his late experience.
And so Darry had to once more lie down and let the other cover him with a blanket, a pillow having been placed under his head.
He was utterly exhausted, and it had only been hope and excitement that had buoyed him up until now.
As he lay there watching the various things that were being done for the relief of the poor fellows snatched from a watery grave he found his eyes growing heavy, and occasionally closing in spite of his efforts to remain awake.
Once he sat up as some men came in bearing another sailor who, alas, had apparently been dragged out of the sea too late to save the spark of life; but, upon learning that it was not the one in whose fate he was so keenly interested, Darry had fallen back again upon his hard pillow.
Soon after things faded from his sight, and he slept the sleep of weariness, for every muscle in his body was as sore as though it had been pounded with a club.
It was hours before he awoke.