For an instant it seemed as if nothing could save them, for an ugly cross wave hurled them straight towards the rocks.
But the next righted them as suddenly, lifting them high on its crest and dashing them headlong towards the one spot where help awaited them.
Before they rose again a deft cast from Armstrong had sent the rope across the bows within Roger's reach, while the doctor, with the other end lashed round his body, was running at full speed towards the calmer water of the cove.
For a moment the line hung slack, as a great back-wave lifted the boat on its crest and carried it seawards.

But suddenly the strain came, carrying the two men on shore nearly off their feet, and grinding on the gunwale of the boat with a creak which could be heard even above the waves.
"Hold on now!" cried Armstrong, as a forward wave surged up behind the boat.
All obeyed but Roger, who, seeking to ease the strain, began to haul in on the rope.

The wave tossed the boat up with a furious lurch, half swamping it as it did so, and flinging it down again headlong into the trough.

When it rose once more the rope still held, and three of her passengers were safe.

But Roger was not to be seen.
With an exclamation which even the doctor, in the midst of his excitement, could hear, Armstrong flung himself blindly into the chaos of water.