They had been washed ashore on planks, as indeed had many others, but the rest had all been beaten to death against the rocks by the breakers.
Walter slept late the next morning, and, when he came downstairs, found that the others had already finished breakfast.

When he had eaten his meal, and listened to the gentle scolding which his mother gave him for risking his life, he joined his father, who was, with Colonel L'Estrange, pacing backwards and forwards on the terrace in front of the house.

The first fury of the storm was over, but it still blew strongly, and a very heavy sea was running.
"Ah, my young friend," Colonel L'Estrange said, advancing, "I am glad to see you, and to be able to thank you more warmly than I was able to do last night, when the very words seemed frozen on my lips, for having saved my life.

It was a gallant deed, and one which your father may well be proud of.

It showed not only bravery of the highest kind, but coolness and judgment, which are virtues even more rare.