"Now," he said to the man, "the moment they begin to pull, leave go of the oar, and throw your arms round me."
He waited until a wave, bigger than ordinary, approached, and, just as it began to pass under him, gave the signal. Higher and higher they seemed to rise, then they were dashed down with a tremendous shock. There was a moment's confusion as they were swept along in the white water. Jim felt a terrific strain, and it seemed to him that the rope would cut him in sunder. Then he was seized by a dozen strong arms, and carried high and dry, before the next wave could reach him.
For a minute or two he was scarce conscious. The breath had been almost knocked out of his body, with the break of the wave, and the rushing water seemed still singing in his ears.
"Are you hurt, my boy? Are you hurt, James?" were the first words he clearly heard.
"No, I think I am all right," he said, trying to sit up. "Is the other fellow all right?"
"He has broke his arm," one of the fishermen, who had just helped the man to his feet, replied. "He may be thankful it's no worse."
James was now helped to his feet.
"I am all right," he repeated to Mr. Wilks, "except that I feel as if I had a hot iron round my body. That rope has taken the skin off all round me, I fancy, and doesn't it smart, just, with the salt water!"
"Oh, James, how could you do it?" a girl's voice said suddenly.
The fishermen drew aside, and Aggie Linthorne pressed forward.