Deep Down | Page 6

and swept him onwards. For the first time in his life, Oliver Trembath's
massive strength was of no avail to him. He felt like a helpless infant.
In another instant the breaker fell and swept him with irresistible
violence up the beach amid a turmoil of hissing foam. No sooner did he
touch the ground than he sprang to his feet, and staggered forward a
few paces but the returning rush of water swept sand and stones from
beneath his feet, carried his legs from under him, and hurled him back
into the hollow of the succeeding wave, which again rolled him on the
sand.
Although somewhat stunned, Oliver did not lose consciousness or
self-possession. He now fully realised the extreme danger of his
position, and the thought flashed through his brain that, at the farthest,
his fate must be decided in two or three minutes. Acting on a brave
spirit, this thought nerved him to desperate effort. The instant he could
plant his feet firmly he bounded forwards, and then, before the
backward rush of water had gathered strength, fell on his knees, and
dug his fingers and toes deep into the sand. Had the grasp been on
something firm he could easily have held on, but the treacherous sand
crumbled out of his grasp, and a second time he was carried back into
the sea.

The next time he was cast on the beach he felt that his strength was
failing; he staggered forward as soon as he touched bottom, with all the
energy of one who avails himself of his last chance, but the angry water
was too strong for him. Feeling that he was being overpowered, he cast
his arms up in the air, and gave utterance to a loud cry. It was not like a
cry of despair, but sounded more like what one might suppose would
be the shout of a brave soldier when compelled to give way--
fighting--before the might of overwhelming force. At that moment a
hand caught the young man's wrist, and held it for a few seconds in a
powerful grasp. The wave retreated, a staggering effort followed, and
the next moment Oliver stood panting on the beach grasping the rough
hand of his deliverer.
"Semen to me you was pretty nigh gone, sur," said the man, who had
come thus opportunely to the rescue, as he wrung the sea-water from
his garments.
He was a man of middle height, but of extremely powerful frame, and
was habited in the garb of a fisherman.
"Truly I had been gone altogether but for your timely assistance; may
God reward you for it!" said Oliver earnestly.
"Well, I don't think you would be so ready to thank me if you did knaw
I had half made up my mind to lev 'ee go."
Oliver looked at the man in some surprise, for he spoke gruffly, almost
angrily, and was evidently in earnest.
"You are jesting," said he incredulously.
"Jestin'; no I ain't, maister. Do 'ee see the boat out over?" he said,
pointing to a small craft full of men which was being rowed swiftly
round a point not more than half a mile distant; "the villains are after
me. They might as well have tried to kitch a cunger by the tail as nab
Jim Cuttance in one of his dens, if he hadn't bin forced by the softness
of his 'art to pull a young fool out o' the say. You'll have to help me to
fight, lad, as I've saved your life. Come, follow me to the cave."

"But--my clothes--" said Oliver, glancing round him in search of his
garments.
"They're all safe up here; come along, sur, an' look sharp."
At any other time, and in other circumstances, Oliver Trembath's fiery
spirit would have resented the tone and manner of this man's address,
but the feeling that he owed his life to him, and that in some way he
appeared to be the innocent cause of bringing misfortune on him,
induced him to restrain his feelings and obey without question the
mandate of his rescuer. Jim Cuttance led the way to a cave in the
rugged cliffs, the low entrance to which was concealed by a huge mass
of granite. The moment they entered several voices burst forth in abuse
of the fisherman for his folly in exposing himself; but the latter only
replied with a sarcastic laugh, and advised his comrades to get ready for
action, for he had been seen by the enemy, who would be down on
them directly. At the same time he pointed to Oliver's clothes, which
lay in a recess in the side of the cavern.
The youth dressed himself rapidly, and, while thus engaged, observed
that there were five men in the cavern,