112 Katie Summers.

 

boys, telling them to run as fast as they could
to get help ; but they were so far off, and the roar
of the sea drowned her voice. At last they
seemed to understand the danger, and ran wildly
towards home. Mrs. Summers, alarmed at the
change of the weather, had sent a carriage by
the cliff road to bring the party home ; she little
thought of the danger which threatened them.
Harry and Tom rushed into the house breath-
less; but they soon explained the danger that the
others were in, and Mrs. Summers and her
sister hastened to the beach. Old Sam, their
favourite boatman, was there. Few words were
necessary to make him understand what was
wanted; and, putting the shawls that Mrs.
Summers gave him into the boat with a spare
rope or two, he and his partner launched their
boat, though with some little difficulty. Mrs.
Summers was anxious to go with them, but this
old Sam would not allow, saying she had better
go home and get warm water and beds ready.