"There is a vessel on the sands," Frank exclaimed. "Let us make
for her. If we can get on board we shall have a better chance than
here."

The boys again bent to their oars, and Frank tried to steer exactly
for the spot whence the rocket had gone up. Presently another gun
flashed out.

"There she is," he said. "I can see her now against the line
of breakers. Take the oar again, Ruthven. We must bring up under
shelter of her lee."

In another minute or two they were within a hundred yards of
the ship. She was a large vessel, and lay just at the edge of the
broken water. The waves, as they struck her, flew high above her
deck. As the boat neared her a bright light suddenly sprang up.
The ship was burning a blue light. Then a faint cheer was heard.

"They see us," Frank said. "They must think we are the lifeboat.
What a disappointment for them! Now, steady, lads, and prepare to
pull her round the instant we are under her stern. I will go as
near as I dare."

Frank could see the people on deck watching the boat. They must
have seen now that she was not the lifeboat; but even in their own
danger they must have watched with intense interest the efforts
of the tiny boat, adrift in the raging sea, to reach them. Frank
steered the boat within a few yards of the stern. Then Jones and
Ruthven, who were both rowing the same side, exerted themselves