The coxswain looked puzzled, and hesitated.
"Quick, man!" roared the Captain. "Ah! too late!"
For a tremendous wave struck the side of the "Flash," swept over her, and deluged the boat, hanging from the other side, with spray; and when the veil of foam fell, she had disappeared, and the three left on the bridge, were all that remained.
The Skipper had stood watching all, with a scared white lace, but he had not uttered a cry, for there were two people with him, in whom he had the firmest faith; and now, amidst the roaring of the waves, he stood, and listened to the angry scene which followed.
For Tom Jells had unfastened his life-belt.
"Put that on again, instantly!" cried the Captain.
"Can't, your honour. You ain't got one."
"You are a stronger and a better swimmer than I am, Jeffs. I beg and pray you, then—I do not order you—to save my child and take him to his mother. Tell her I did my duty to the last."
Tom Jeffs tied the life-belt on again, and said gruffly: "It's your orders, sir, and I'll do it if I live."
At that moment as if by magic the fog began to grow light towards the south. Then lighter still, and floated slowly eastward after the boats, leaving the "Flash" quite clear, with the breaking waves sparkling in the sun. In another five minutes, there was the shore, not a quarter of a mile away, with a broad beach of sand beneath the towering granite cliffs.