Men spoke in muffled tones, cadets hoped and feared, and all awaited the result—life or death to the bold rescuers.
No one yet knew whether the safety of his crew had caused the gallant cadet officer at the helm of the lifeboat to put back for the ship before the storm struck them, or he had returned because he had accomplished his perilous errand.
The ship plunged and keeled as she lay to, and the eyes of all were alternately turned toward the inky-black tempest roaring down upon them, and the lifeboat struggling so manfully to reach the lee of the vessel and safety.
“Ahoy, my brave fellows! pull for your lives!”
It was the voice of the gallant De Long thus sent over the black, tempestuous waters.
The brave commander could stand the strain of suspense no longer—he must speak.
Then came a faint cheer from the struggling oarsmen, and a roar like mighty winds went up from the ship’s deck in response.
“Pull! Pull for your lives, brave lads!” shouted Captain De Long.
And back over the waters came the answer:
“Ay, ay, sir, we’ll make it!”