"What is the use of your talking like that, Grace? If your brothers were at home, we might attempt it; but now it is altogether out of the question."
"No, indeed, father, it must not be out of the question. Can we let our fellow creatures perish without making an effort to save them? If we did so, I am sure we should never, either of us, be happy again. Do let us go, father! I can help you in the rowing of the boat, and God will protect us. Only think what it would be to save the lives of those poor half-drowned men and women?"
"But I don't think it can be right, Grace."
"Oh, father, why do you lose time? It cannot be right to hesitate," said the girl, in convincing tones.
Mr. Darling looked anxiously through his telescope. It was scarcely light, and there was a heavy mist hanging over the island. The wind was not as violent as it had been, but the sea was still very furious. William Darling strained his eyes as he looked through the good glass, and presently he saw that which he looked for. About half-a-mile away, there were the shipwrecked sufferers, still clinging to their only hope, the broken pieces of the ship. He thought for a moment or two, and Grace's earnest pleading prevailed. He knew that she never before had been called upon to render such assistance; but he knew too, that she was a brave girl, and would do her best.
"Very well, Grace; I will let you persuade me, though it is against my better judgment."
Grace joyfully kissed her father, and he began to prepare.
"What will your mother say, Grace?" he asked the next moment.
The loving girl dreaded her more than the waves. Mrs. Darling, when she heard of it, could not give her consent.
"Oh, William, I cannot believe that you will be so mad! If there has been a shipwreck, and lives lost, what is the use of your adding your own death to the number? Nothing can save you. The boat will not live ten minutes in such a sea."