The line of reefs stood as a barrier to the sea, and after the waves came in contact with the rocks they continued on their course with less violence than before.
Still, it was terrible enough to any one exposed to their fury.
Hope soars high in the breast of youth, however, and life is sweet, so that our hero continued to struggle against the forces to which he found himself exposed.
Again had his eyes caught a glimpse of a burning light on the shore, and somehow it gave him renewed courage to hold on, for he seemed to understand that determined hearts were waiting there, eager to give him a helping hand.
Then some object sped past him, and he caught the sight of flashing oars.
It was the lifeboat!
In spite of the great danger involved in the undertaking, the coast guards had succeeded in launching their boat, and were even now heading toward the wreck on the reef; though the chances of finding a single living soul aboard seemed small indeed, for the billows were breaking completely over her, and she must soon go to pieces.
Darry tried to call out, but his mouth filled with salty water, and in despair he saw the boat pass him by.
Even the lightning failed to illumine the scene just then, or some eager eye might have detected the floating spar and its human burden.
No hope remained save that he might be tossed up on the beach somewhere near the friendly fire that was burning as a beacon.