The cry of “Man overboard!” always has a startling sound on an ocean vessel. In a naval ship, such accidents, or emergencies, are provided against in advance. Two boats, one on each side of the ship, are kept ready for instant use, and are equipped with everything necessary for a speedy rescue, as well as an outfit, including provisions, for a prolonged search in case immediate rescue is not possible. Picked seamen in each “watch” are assigned to special duty as a life-boat crew, and must be ready to jump into their boat at a moment’s notice. Some ships are provided with “life-buoys”—queer-looking objects hanging from the stern. In case of a man’s falling overboard at night, one of these life-buoys can be dropped into the water, and lighted immediately, so that the poor fellow can strike out for it at once and cling to it until picked up. Sometimes, however, the sea runs so high that no small boat could be lowered without swamping and perhaps drowning the entire crew. To decide the question whether to attempt the rescue of a poor fellow who has fallen overboard, at the risk of losing others who might be sent to his aid, is a fearful responsibility for a commanding officer, and requires the coolest exercise of his judgment. THE KELP-GATHERERS. [_A Story of the Maine Coast._] BY J. T. TROWBRIDGE. CHAPTER IX. LOADING THE KELP. With the first flush of dawn kindling the sky, Perce Bucklin opened his eyes in great bewilderment. But the sight of the sea, and the sand, and his two companions still asleep under their blankets, brought him quickly to his senses. “‘Wake Nicodemus’!” he shouted, giving each a shake. “The tide is up! the wind is all right, and the kelp is landing! ‘Hurrah for the great jubilee’!” Moke yawned a sleepy “hurrah!” while Poke, sitting up and rubbing his eyes open, made some complimentary reference to “Uncle Moses.” “Uncle Moses was right,” Perce admitted. “Now we must have breakfast and be ready for work by the time the tide has gone down a little. Start up the fire while I go and see to the oxen.” Rubbish had already been gathered, and left to dry about their camp-fire of the evening before. Moke produced some matches, while Poke prepared a wisp of hay for lighting. And now, completely awake, both sang, while Perce was starting off: “‘Run and tell Elijah to hurry up Pomp, And meet us at the gum-tree down in the swamp, To wake Nicodemus to-day!’” The sun came up gloriously over the ocean. It was a superb morning. The wind had gone down during the night, and only a gentle breeze was blowing. The receding tide left long rows and scattered heaps of kelp, rockweed, and other _algæ_ high on the beach. The boys were in the gayest spirits. While the oxen were still feeding, and the fire getting in condition to roast corn and potatoes, Perce proposed that they should make the most of their time by gathering driftwood.