He had scarcely uttered the words, and lifted himself up to strike out as a brave swimmer, when a huge plank, from the beams of a wreck, came floating by him. He caught hold of it, lifted himself upon it, and, in another moment, sat across it, in humble thankfulness to God for so much mercy. He could hear his companions calling aloud for help, apparently a long way from him, drifting before the howling winds. It should be understood by the reader, that to reach Lord De Freston's stair whilst the tide was flowing, the men had to row at least three quarters of a mile out of the direct line, that they might the more easily fetch the point at which they were to land. They were at the very utmost distance when the accident occurred. The boat then was driven back almost to the Downham shore, and consequently, as the men mounted the keel, the wind had a greater power upon the drifting mass, and took them swiftly onward; but Latimer, struggling against the chops of the waves, and at last finding a friendly plank to ride upon, was swept more along the channel. The beacon still burnt in Freston Tower, and the anxious watchers therein were suddenly alarmed by the extinction of the light upon the waves. 'I cannot see the lights of the boat upon the waters,' said Ellen De Freston, to her maid. 'I can see a light beaming from the chapel; I can still see lights floating towards the town, and dancing reflections upon the distant waters; I can even see the Tower light from the Priory, but I see not those from my father's boat.' 'O! fear not, my lady--fear not. I dare say the wind and rain have extinguished the torches; but depend upon it they will reach the shore in safety. Do not be afraid.' 'I saw the boats part upon the waters, and my father's boat bending its course to come across the river. They seemed to be coming nearer and nearer every minute, and the torches to burn brighter; but all of a sudden I miss them. I see no lights, all is darkness except the lightning's flash, and that shows me nothing.' 'O! do not fear, my lady. They can see our light, though their torches are extinguished; and I have heard my Henry say he could always find his way across, even if there were no lights burning in the Tower. It is a bad night, but do not let the thunder and lightning terrify you; they will soon be ashore.' 'I fear not so soon as you seem to expect. You appear to be very bold, Maria, but I fear Him only who holds the thunder and the lightning in his hands. He is very terrible!' 'It is in His help I trust, my lady. He is merciful and kind, and my Harry is a good man, and I hope God will take care of him.'