90 FISHERMEN'S MEMORIAL AND RECORD BOOK. 



clinging to a plank. If ever in his life he desired company, it was 

 at this critical time ; but prudence whispered that he must not make 

 himself known, for if he did the chances of escape of all three would 

 be rendered far more hazardous. He heard them each speak of their 

 fearful position, and doubting whether they should be able to hold 

 on ; and the last words he heard them utter was a promise that if 

 either was saved, they would tell the folks at home the full particu- 

 lars. It now required his utmost efforts to keep the barrel in posi- 

 tion, as the undertow was very powerful ; but he managed to do so, 

 and soon saw a ledge of rocks. To effect a landing amid the surf as 

 it beat against its sides, without being injured, was a dangerous task ; 

 the waves at one time heaving him toward the ledge, then retreating, 

 would engulf him in their treacherous grasp, threatening every mo- 

 ment to bury him beneath the water. But by the help of his barrel 

 he succeeded, and inserting his fingers in the crevices of the rocks, 

 commenced the toilsome passage up their jagged sides, reaching 

 the top completely exhausted. While resting, he heard the voice of 

 Clark, who was hailing some one. He answered the call, telling him 

 where he was, and enjoining upon him to hold on and try to get upon 

 the ledge. He did not hear him again, and probably the two men 

 were instantly swallowed up in the undertow. He soon found that 

 the ledge did not form a part of the island, but was covered at high 

 water, and, as the tide was t coming in, he knew that he was not yet 

 out of danger. After a little time he again plunged into the seething 

 waters ; another terrible conflict with the surf followed, in which it 

 seemed impossible for him to make any headway, as his strength 

 was fast failing. Words are inadequate to describe such a situation ; 

 moments seemed like hours, and the sullen roar of the waters as they 

 beat upon the rocks was an awful accompaniment. He neared the 

 shore, the dim outline of which he saw, and making one desperate 

 effort, was fortunate in effecting a landing and in getting himself out 

 of reach of the breakers. It was now about nine o'clock in the even- 

 ing, and the exertions of the past two hours began to tell upon him 

 fearfully, and he could scarcely lift one foot before the other ; but he 

 persevered, and emerged into a pathway which led him to a house. 

 It proved to be the residence of Mr. Smith Hadlock. The inmates 

 were at once aroused, and were unremitting in their attentions, fur- 

 nishing him with a suit of clothing, and doing everything in their 

 power for his comfort. 



As soon as he had partaken of refreshments and got rested, he 

 accompanied a party of men belonging on the island, in search for the 



