CHAPTER XVII.

“MAN THE LIFE-BOAT!” (_continued_). A Portuguese Brig on the Sands—Futile Attempts to get her 225 off—Sudden Break-up—Great Danger to the Life-boat—Great Probability of being Crushed—An Old Boatman’s Feelings—The Life-boat herself on the Goodwin—Safe at Last—Gratitude of the Portuguese Crew—A Blaze of Light seen from Deal—Fatal Delay—Twenty-eight Lives Lost—A dark December Night—The almost-deserted Wreck of the _Providentia_—A Plucky Captain—An awful Episode—The Mate beaten to Death—Hardly saved—The poor little Cabin-boy’s Rescue—Another Wreck on the Sands—Many Attempts to rescue the Crew—Determination of the Boatmen—Victory or Death!—The _Aid_ Steamer nearly wrecked—A novel and successful Experiment—Anchoring on Board—The Crew Saved