The next instant he was buried in a white-crested wave. The strain upon the ropes was terrific, but they stood the test right well, and as the breaker swept ahead the man was found to be still clinging to the buoy. Thrice ere he was hauled to a place of safety he was overtaken by the waves, till quite exhausted the first survivor was assisted to the most sheltered position on the ledge. Again and again the buoy made its double journey, and each time it returned with one of the crew. Ropes were lowered from the summit of the cliff, and as the rescued men were hauled up by the "Wolves" they were escorted to the camp, whither the three Tenderfoots had previously been sent to prepare hot coffee. Four men only remained on board. The hull was already showing signs of parting amidships. The tide had fallen considerably, and the task of hauling the buoy with its living burdens up to the ledge continually became harder. One of the four, slipping into the buoy, began the hazardous journey. Half the distance was accomplished in safety, when a huge wave swept over and passed the doomed vessel. "Quite exhausted, the first survivor was assisted to the most sheltered position on the ledge."--_Page_ 114. The Scouts felt the strain suddenly relax. When the breaker had passed, their worst fears were realised. The life-line had parted, the man in the buoy was at the mercy of the waves, and the retreat of the remaining three was cut off: CHAPTER XI HOW CAME PAUL TASSH ON SEAL ISLAND? STEADYING himself on the rope, Atherton stood on the brink of the ledge and watched for the reappearance of the submerged man. The buoy was floating, but for quite a quarter of a minute its late occupant was nowhere to be seen. When at length he rose to the surface, the buoy had drifted ten yards to leeward of him. Fortunately the seaman was a swimmer, and without hesitation he struck out for the buoy. "Haul in!" ordered Atherton, as the man grasped the life-saving object, and passed it over his head and shoulders. Promptly the "Otters" obeyed, till the Leader ordered them to stop. Another wave was breaking, and should the man be caught close to the cliffs he would assuredly be dashed to death against the rocks. Down came the mountain of water, but instead of carrying the seaman with it, it passed harmlessly by, expending its energy in a blow that raised a column of spray forty feet in the air. "Now, haul!" bawled Atherton, and to his relief he saw the man drawn clear of the turmoil of foam and unceremoniously dragged upon the ledge. "Signal to them to send another line ashore," ordered the Leader; but in reply the despairing message came from the wreck, "We have no more rope." "Could I swim off to the ship?" asked Green. "I'll risk it." "Impossible," replied Atherton. "It is hopeless to attempt to swim against such a sea." "What is to be done?" asked Phillips. "We cannot stand here and let those fellows drown before our eyes."