He started to his feet, and stepped out from beneath the awning.

He listened, and again distinctly heard the cry, which seemed to come from the water under the bows.

Supposing it might proceed from some person who had fallen overboard and wanted help, he went forward to the knight-heads, and called out, "Who's there ?" A voice from below the bowsprit faintly replied, "Shipmate, for God's sake bear a hand, and give me help.

I can hold on but a few minutes longer." He was now aware that a man, in an exhausted condition, was clinging to the cable, and required immediate assistance.

He called up his shipmates, and with little difficulty they succeeded in hauling him safely on board.