But Mrs Tods was tenderly lifted over the side and placed in the powerful arms of the sailor. Her sons instantly set up a howl and rushed towards her. But Mr Bright had anticipated this also, and, with the aid of a seaman, arrested them. Meanwhile, the signal having been given, the men on the land pulled in the cradle, and Mrs Tods went shrieking over the hissing billows to the shore. A few minutes more and out came the cradle again. "Now, then, for the two `darlings'," growled the mate. They were forcibly put over the side and sent howling to their mother. After them went Mrs Pods, who, profiting by the experience of her friend, made no resistance. This however, was more than counterbalanced by the struggles of _her_ three treasures, who immediately followed. But the shades of evening were now falling, and it was with an anxious feeling at his heart that the mate surveyed the cluster of human beings who had yet to be saved, while each roaring wave that struck the wreck seemed about to break it up. Suddenly there arose a cry of joy, and, looking seaward, the bright white and blue form of the lifeboat was seen coming in like an angel of light on the crests of the foaming seas. We may not stay to describe what followed in detail. The lifeboat's anchor was let go to windward of the wreck, and the cable paid out until the boat forged under the vessel's lee, where it heaved on the boiling foam so violently that it was difficult to prevent it being stove in, and still more difficult to get the women and children passed on board. Soon the lifeboat was full--as full as she could hold--and many passengers yet remained to be rescued. The officer in charge of the mail-bags had got them up under the shelter of the companion-hatch ready to be put into the boat, but human life was of more value than letters--ay, even than diamonds. "Now, then, one other lady. Only room for one," roared the mate, who stood with pistol in hand near the gangway. Miss Gentle tried to get to the front, but Lady Tower stepped in before her. "Never mind, little woman," said Mr Bright, encouragingly, "the rocket apparatus is still at work, and the wreck seems hard and fast on the reef. You'll get off next trip." "But I can't bear to think of going by that awful thing," said Miss Gentle, shuddering and sheltering herself from the blinding spray under the lee of Bright's large and powerful body. "Well, then," he returned, cheerfully, "the lifeboat will soon return; you'll go ashore with the mails."