And then, without another moment’s hesitation, or a single reflection of the hopelessness of his task, or that he was endangering his own life as well, the brave boy, grasping hold of one of the life-buoys that hung close to the taffrail where he was supporting himself, as he watched the wave bearing Dave away, plunged into the sea to his comrade’s rescue.
“Hold on, Dave, I’m coming!” he shouted out at the pitch of his voice, to encourage the sinking David.
And the next minute, ere any one could prevent him, he was over the ship’s side, battling with the powers of the deep.
Story 3—Chapter II.
Chapter Two.
A Vain Quest.
“Man overboard!”
That cry, which those who have once heard it will never forget, echoed far and wide through the ship, making itself heard above the dull roar of the sea, the whistling of the wind as it tore through the rigging, the creaking of the timbers, and the trampling of feet up and down the deck, as the crew bustled to and fro, slackening a sheet here, tightening a brace there, and preparing for emergencies, ready for anything that might happen.