TO BIRD ROCK IN AN OPEN BOAT 161 



The keeper from above was lowering the cable by the steam 

 winch. Meanwhile the seas were battering the stern and 

 combing over on deck, rilling her with water. With despera- 

 tion we were all scurrying in the darkness to get our stuff out 

 before it would be soaked, and to throw overboard the rock 



GANNET RETURNING HOME 



ballast. We were wet, but what matter ; everything was landed. 

 No, who has seen my carrying-case and plate-holders? 

 Horrors ! One of the party is fishing them out of the water, 

 and emptying out the brine in quarts. Somehow in the ex- 

 citement they have been left in the stern, and the surf has 

 done the rest. Perhaps it is all up with my photography ! 



