THE OPERATION OF RESCUE.
by first firing his Costin signal, which emits a red flame burning for several minutes, and hastens to make his report to the keeper, who decides what is to be done. If it is decided to reach the vessel by water, the crew proceed to the boat-room where the surf-boat, always in a state of readiness, is found resting on ways provided with rollers. The crew then range themselves on either side of the surf boat so as to jump into their places the moment the word of command is given. At this signal the men spring into their seats, the wide .doors of the boat-room fly open, and the graceful craft, fully manned and equipped, glides into her native element and is off on her "errand of mercy." If the wreck is well inshore, the mortar cart is ordered out: This is drawn by the men where horses are not provided. While at practice, before every drill, the men are obliged to repeat off by heart their particular part of the work in rescuing the shipwrecked by means of the Lyle gun and beach apparatus. So trained they are enabled, when called out for actual service, to perform their duty well and with alacrity. Reaching the scene of the wreck, each man, well
trained to his particular duty, proceeds to handle and plad,e in posi tion that portion of the apparatus assigned to him as his especial charge. Simultaneously the different members already "told off" the Lyle gun, place the shot box in position, dispose the hauling gear,. lines and hawser for running, attach the breeches buoy, and put the. tackles in place ready for hauling ; and with pick and spade begin the digging of a trench for the sand anchor, while the beach lantern upon the mortar cart throws its light upon the scene. And now the gun, which has been placed in line with the wreck, is fired; the shot, with its line attached, goes flying over the wreck into the sea beyond, and; is soon secured by the sailors on board. The life-savers then bend on the whip, an endless line with two blocks attached, to the outer tail block of which a tallyboard is fastened, previously joined to the shore• end of the shot line, already being hauled by those on board. The whip passes rapidly