Shipwreck

“Sure have. And Goel will help us through this one.” He paused, then shouted, “There's the rocks!”

The ship struck with a grinding crash, and the timbers snapped as if they were toothpicks. Everyone was thrown to the deck with the force of the blow.

Daybright yelled, “All right! Over the side. The beach isn't more than forty yards away! Let the waves take you in!” He let go of the wheel and turned, saying, “Come on, Dawn.”

“I'm afraid!” she cried. “I always was afraid of water.”

Daybright felt sorry for girl. He spoke reassuringly into her ear. “We'll be all right. Just hang onto me.” He led her across the deck and saw that the ship was already sinking fast. “Come,” he said, “don't fight me. I'll take you ashore.”

“Take care of me,” she pleaded.

Daybright felt a sudden protective urge come over him. He determined to save this girl if it killed him to do it. “Here we go,” he said.

He held her as they jumped off the ship. The water closed over his head, and he hoped she was holding her breath. He came upward with powerful strokes and held her up. He could see her pale face.

“I've got you!” he said. He turned her onto her back, then kicked water until he was moving toward the shore. When his feet touched bottom, he sat her upright. “It's all right now. We're safe.”

He helped her to the beach, then said, “Wait here. I'll help the others.”

Soon the Sleepers were safely ashore. All gathered in a small group and surveyed the scene. The ship was being torn to pieces by the force of the waves. She was held by the rocks, and the winds seemed to slash at her with mighty fists.