Part 9 (2/2)

”I don't see what's to be done, Bob,” said Mrs. Cromwell, during a lull in the storm. ”We must move and I have only three dollars in all.”

”Oh, I forgot!” he suddenly exclaimed, and pulled a ten-dollar bill from his pocket. ”Here, mother, is a little to help us.”

”Why, where in the world did you get that, Bob?” she e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed.

”A young gentleman gave it to me--insisted I should take it.”

”What for?”

”He said I saved his life.”

”And did you?”

”Well, I don't know--perhaps,” mused Bob. ”You see, it was Captain Randolph Sumner, the gentleman who owns that splendid new yacht down to Marcey's. He fell into the water right in front of the incoming steamer _Flag_, and I fished him out just as he was on the point of being struck. He was very grateful and made me keep the money, although I didn't want it and told him so.”

That was all Bob said. He was too modest to mention that Randolph Sumner had called him a hero and that the crowd standing by had given him a cheer for his bravery.

”Ten dollars is a windfall,” began Mrs. Cromwell. ”Now if we--Gracious, the signal gun, Bob!”

Boom!

Bob sprang up from the table. He knew that sound only too well.

Boom!

”s.h.i.+p has struck, mother!” he cried. ”I must go down and see if I can help in any way.”

And waiting for no reply, the youth grabbed up his cap and storm coat and rushed out into the storm.

Bob was right--a s.h.i.+p had struck. Away off through the mist and rain he could see the colored lights and the flash of the gun, calling for help.

The lifeboat men were already out and getting ready to launch their heavy craft.

”Look! look! The s.h.i.+p is going down!”

The cry thrilled everyone to the very heart. It was true. The stately s.h.i.+p was sinking fast. Down she went and came up again, once, twice --and then no more.

The lifeboat went out in a hurry, but it was of no avail. The storm had done its work and all on board had perished.

No, not all. Walking at the foot of the cliff a little later, Bob heard a low moan, and soon came upon the body of an aged seaman jammed in between the rocks. The man was fearfully bruised and did nothing but moan as the youth bore him up to the cottage.

Here he was made as comfortable as possible on a cot. It was an hour before he was able to open his eyes.

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