We could never beat back to Deal in this wind.

I don't know as I ever saw it blow much harder." These sentences were not spoken consecutively, but were shouted out in the intervals between gusts of wind.

It took them two hours to beat back to Ramsgate, a signal having been made as soon as they left the wreck to inform the lifeboat there and at Broadstairs that they need not put out, as the rescue had been already effected.

The lads were soon put to bed at the sailors' home, a man being at once despatched on horseback to Deal, to inform those there of the arrival of the lifeboat, and of the rescue of the four boys who had been blown to sea.
Early next morning Frank and Handcock returned to Deal, the other two lads being so exhausted by their fatigue and exposure that the doctor said they had better remain in bed for another twenty-four hours.
It is impossible to describe the thankfulness and relief which Mrs.
Hargate experienced, when, about two in the morning, Dr.Parker himself brought her news of the safety of her boy.

She had long given up all hope, for when the evening came on and Frank had not returned, she had gone down to the shore.