232“That wasn’t an ordinary torch,” explained the Captain, eager to display his knowledge of life-saving methods. “That’s what they call a Coston signal. It’s a patent torch that flares up when you strike the cap against something hard. The life-saving crew back in the station see it and get the apparatus ready and the people on the ship see it and know they have been sighted and help is coming.”
“Oh, I’m so glad,” said Hinpoha in relieved tones. “Now the poor people on the boat won’t be so frightened if they know they are going to be saved. It must be fine to be a life saver!”
“Maybe I’ll be one when I grow up,” said the Captain.
“Oh, how grand!” said Hinpoha admiringly. “We’ll be so proud—” Then came a fiercer gust of wind and drowned the remainder of her sentence in its shriek, and they plodded on in silence, covering their faces to shield them from the whirling sand. Only a little way farther they came upon the beach patrol sitting on the ground and rubbing his knee.
“What’s the matter?” they asked, pressing around.
“Hullo!” he exclaimed in astonishment, “what are you kids doing out on a night like this?”
“We’re taking a walk,” replied Sahwah and then giggled nervously when she thought how funny that 233 must sound. “What’s the matter?” she repeated.
“Tripped over a stone,” replied the beach patrol, “and kinked my leg.” He stifled a groan as he spoke.
“Are you badly hurt?” asked Hinpoha anxiously.
The man rose to his feet and limped resolutely on his way toward the station, but his progress was very slow. “Of all times to go lame!” he exclaimed in bitter vexation. “There’s the Huronic out there on the reef with two hundred passengers on board and there’s not a minute to lose!”