The next report brought them was of Mr. Tallis's safe landing, and the next that the life-car waited for them.
Edward, the captain, and two sailors helped Mary and Ella across the wind-swept deck and into the car, Charlie and another sailor following with Amy.
They put her in after the other two and Charlie stepped in next, calling to Edward to come also.
"No," was the quiet reply. "I go by the breeches-buoy."
The sliding door was hastily shut, and Amy gasped for breath as she felt the car gliding swiftly along the hawser, while the great waves dashed over it, rocking it from side to side.
Charlie's arm was round her, holding her close, but she grew deathly sick and fainted quite away.
The minutes seemed hours, but at last they heard, above the thunder of the breaking waves, a great shout, and at the same instant felt the car grate upon the sand.
The door was pushed open, Charlie, the nearest to it, stepped out, drew Amy after him, apparently more dead than alive, and leaving it to others to assist Mary and Ella, bore her in his arms, in almost frantic haste, to the nearest house.
Mary was in Vi's arms almost before she knew that she had actually reached shore; Vi kissing her with tears and sobs, and crying, "Edward, Edward, where is he?"
"Coming," Mary said, "the brave, generous fellow would see us all safe first."