As we could now distinguish both the brothers, we instinctively cheered
them on drawing towards the landward side of the rock. They were
compelled every minute to crouch and cling to the cliff under which they
had taken shelter, as a huge wave burst below their feet, and struck
them in its upward violence. The Wolf-stone could no longer raise its
head in dominion over the main. The surf ran so high immediately around
it, that to approach at all closely would only have ended in the
destruction of every soul. We, therefore, hailed them as we stood under
its lee, and found that in consequence of their having remained almost
all night on this dreary spot, drenched with wet, and chilled with cold,
any effort to swim through the surf would probably be fatal in their
exhausted state. What then remained to be done? We had ropes on board
which would be of infinite service, could we only devise means to convey
them to the rock. At this juncture, the services of my old
Newfoundlander, Retriever, came forcibly to my mind. The poor animal had
refused to be separated from me when we embarked, and lay at my feet in
the boat. On his exertions therefore depended the lives of our friends.
He soon understood the task he was to perform, and in another second was
dashing onwards through the waves. An affecting scene now took place
between the brothers, as to who should first avail himself of the
approaching aid. A gigantic rush of tide, which almost swept entirely
over the rock, told them, however, that time was precious. But Sam was
firm. The younger brother then plunged forward and was soon drawn safely
on board. He informed us, as Retriever again swam away with the rope,
that he feared his brother was much more exhausted than himself. With
breathless interest, therefore, we watched Sam tie the rope round his
body, and enter the water. The violence of the gale, at this instant,
compelled us to stand further off the rock; indeed, within a few minutes
we foresaw that its presence would only be indicated by a low black mass
indistinctly seen, amidst the boiling and restless waves of the ocean;