At the moment the order to lower was given, as the wave sank down, the ship rolled to windward, and the boat struck the water some eight feet from the vessel's side.
"Up oars!" said the coxswain, with energy.
"Lively, Ward," added the first lieutenant.
"Let fall!" continued the coxswain, as a billow lifted the boat, so that those on board could see the ship's deck.

"Give way together!" The barge, tossed like a feather on the high seas, gathered headway, and moved off towards the wreck.
The lowering of the barge had been so successful that the same method was adopted with the gig; but as she was under the lee of the ship, there was less difficulty in getting her off.

She pulled round the ship's bow, and having made less stern way in starting both boats came up under the counter of the wreck at about the same time.

When the barge and gig reached the ship, a line was thrown to each of them over the quarter, which the bowman caught, and made fast to the ring.
"Where is the captain of the ship ?" demanded Mr.Haven.
"Here," shouted that officer.
"How many have you aboard ?" "Eighteen!" "You must slide down on a rope over the stern; we can't go alongside," continued the first lieutenant.
"Ay, ay, sir!" responded the captain of the ship.

"I have two women and two children on board." "You must lower them in slings," added Haven, prompted by Mr.Fluxion.
[Illustration: THE WRECK OF THE SYLVIA.