Part 10 (1/2)

”Two will be enough,” said my father; ”who'll go first?”

”Let me,” said I.

”Not yet, Roger,” said my father.

Two others immediately volunteered, and started to climb, but the rock was slippery, and there was only one way by which the top could be reached.

They failed in their attempt.

”Tie a rope round my waist, father,” I cried. ”I've climbed it many times and know the way.”

”Go, then, Roger, my boy, and may G.o.d preserve you.”

It was only because of my boyish freaks that I knew the easiest way to reach the summit of the rock. One day I had laid a wager with Wilfred that I could climb to its summit, and so I had carefully examined it when the tide was low, and after once climbing it, I had often gone thither to hunt for the nests of sea-birds.

All my knowledge was necessary now. The stones were slippery as gla.s.s, and I had to feel carefully for the jutting rocks in order to get from one point to another. A false step, a bit of crumbling rock, a slip of the hand would have destroyed our hopes, and perhaps have maimed me for life, if not killed me. Providence, however, was in my favour. After many a strain and many a struggle I reached the top.

I shall never forget the sight that met me. Even in the hour of death I think I shall remember the terrible scene. Holding fast by a rugged peak I could in the stormlight dimly see the five huge p.r.o.ngs of the ”Devil's Tooth,” grim and ghastly; while upon them broke the great black waves!

How the breakers roared! How the wind howled as it beat upon the great rock on which I stood! Whenever the waves receded I could see the white foam all round, while the spray beat pitilessly upon me. I had never seen the like before. It is an awful thing to watch a storm from the sh.o.r.e; but to stand in the midst of it, to hear it all round you, is more awful!

I heard a shout from beneath. ”Do you see the wreck?” was the query.

I looked in the direction of the long p.r.o.ng and saw the outline of the vessel.

”Yes,” I replied, ”but I shall want help to get to her. There! I've fastened the rope to a rock, let Bill Tregargus come up.”

Instantly, by the tugging of the rope, I knew that some one was coming, and a little later the giant form of Bill Tregargus was beside me.

We made our way to the wreck, and as we drew nearer I was sure I saw people clinging to the half broken mast. Nearer and nearer we came, and then, to our joy, we saw that two men had got from the vessel and were now trying to scale the rock.

”There's hope yet, Bill,” I said. ”Have you brought the rope with you?”

”Part on't, Maaster Roger, and part I tied to the rock.”

I shouted as loud as I could, but I was unable to make them hear. The thunder of the storm made my little shout of no avail. I called to the people on the vessel, but there was no response.

Meanwhile the waves swept over the doomed vessel, and roared along the cruel rocks. There seemed but little chance of our rendering help.

Even we, sheltered as we were by the great p.r.o.ngs of the rock, found it difficult to stand.

I took the rope from Bill, and, holding one end in my hand, I threw it straight to the men, who I could see were struggling below. The effort succeeded. It was immediately caught, and soon we got a man on the top of the rock.

”Many on board?” I asked.

”Twelve,” he gasped.

”Can you make the other one tell the crew to do as you have done?”

We looked again, seeking for the best method to signal, and to our delight saw that those on the vessel realised that help was come. In the dim light I could see that they were leaving the vessel.