“We’ve only done what the Government hires us for, mates, an’ our extra pay comes in when we’re able to save lives, as in this case. I’d feel that the night was more of a success if we hadn’t lost a life; but we ashore couldn’t say how weak the spars had grown under the pounding of the waves.” “When the first line came aboard I thought we were doomed because it would be impossible to help ourselves,” the mate replied. “For a time it seemed as if my arms were frozen stiff, and but for the knowledge that death would come in a very few moments unless something could be done to second your efforts, I believe of a verity I should have died where I stood.” Then the sailors began relating their personal experiences, and soon the rescuers were before the glowing fire while the cook and Benny passed around coffee or food, with Fluff sitting bolt upright apparently listening intently to every word. The two whose duty it was to go on patrol could not be excused, however excessive the labor just performed. The storm was still raging furiously, and the _Three Brothers_ might not be the only craft in peril on the coast that night. Robbins and Sawyer remained in the cheery mess-room no longer than was absolutely necessary, and then they went out into the howling storm to walk the long beats on which might be found more work for the crew which had already done such brave duty. Keeper Downey ordered Benny to bed, accompanying the command with words that gave the lad most sincere pleasure: “You’ve done as good work, accordin’ to your experience, as any man among us, Benjamin, an’ we’re proud of you.” Sam Hardy nodded his approval of this praise, and Benny, with Fluff C. Foster in his arms, went up-stairs to bed feeling that he would be willing to brave almost any danger in order to earn another compliment equal to that. When the amateur surfman awakened next morning the sun was shining brightly, and, save for the roaring of the surf, nothing told of the furious tempest which had so lately raged. The cook had already gone down-stairs, and Benny dressed himself hurriedly, for he was not pleased at the prospect of being late at his post of duty. “I counted on your waking Fluff and me,” he said reproachfully as he entered the kitchen. “We were up so late----” “That’s exactly the reason why I sneaked down-stairs on the quiet. After last night’s work you should have had a long nap, instead of being down here before the fire is fairly going.” “We didn’t do enough to hurt us,” Benny replied with a laugh, “and surely we must be needed this morning, when there are so many mouths to feed.” “I’ve had a bigger family than this many a time, an’ got through with the work alone, but since you’ve been so foolish as to turn out, I’ll be glad of your help, for a handy lad like you makes the job a light one.” “It seems as if I was getting praised all around,” Benny said with a laugh as he made his toilet. “Pretty soon you’ll be finding out that I don’t deserve it.”