He was more or less tired when Darry found him, after the boat had been drawn up on the beach, but not housed, since it might be needed again; but this sort of thing was an old story in his life, and in comparison with some of his labors the adventure of the night had been rather tame.
In the morning Darry started across the bay again, homeward bound.
He was sorry to leave the beach, so much was his heart wrapped up in the work of the life savers.
The day was bright and fine after the short storm which had seemed to clear the air wonderfully.
He could see a few boats moving about, some of them oyster sloops or dredgers, other pleasure craft belonging to the rich sportsmen who had already commenced to drift down in pursuit of their regular fall shooting.
Occasionally the distant dull boom of a gun told that a few ducks were paying toll on their passage south.
Darry looked longingly at a splendid motor-boat that went swiftly past him.
The young fellow on board seemed to be having a most delightful time, and it was only natural for any boy to envy him.
It was noon when our hero arrived home. Mrs. Peake was interested in all he had to tell about the trip of the life savers.
"We get used to hearing these things," she said, "but all the same it keeps the wives of the life savers feeling anxious. Some night it happens one of the crew of the lifeboat goes out and does not return. At any time it may be my turn. I know three widows now."