198 VIKINGS OF TO-DAY 



ism were called for and performed. The men from 

 Ireland's Eye found that far out in the storm were 

 men from English Harbour and Salmon Cove, who 

 could not possibly reach home, and who might be 

 sheltering on some off-lying uninhabited island, cer- 

 tain to perish during the night unless help were forth- 

 coming. Food was partaken of, a brief rest snatched, 

 God's protecting care besought, and once more these 

 heroes of the sea went out silently into that raging 

 storm, from which they had but just escaped with 

 their lives. " Inasmuch as ye did unto the least of 

 these, My brethren, ye did it unto Me." Two boats 

 were manned, and after fruitless search one returned 

 safely, but empty handed, to the shelter of the har- 

 bour. The other, through the darkness of the falling 

 night, saw at length a small light on a desolate spot 

 near Thoroughfare. Fierce joy burnt in those noble 

 hearts, as they strained every sinew to drive their 

 stubborn craft through the now almost forgotten 

 dangers. Alas, a sorrowful sight awaited them. 

 There in their boat on the beach, amidst the roar of 

 the storm, and the thunder of the surf, lay two poor 

 fellows silent in death swathed in their winding- 

 sheet of ice, and fast frozen to their boat. By the 

 fire were three fishermen, half dead themselves, try- 

 ing to rekindle the spark of life in two of their fast 

 dying comrades. All were taken back by the rescue 

 party, and the living nursed back to life at the near- 

 est cottage. It was enough to move the most cynical 

 to tears wives and mothers wildly wringing their 



