A GUN is heard at the dead of night " Life-boat ready 1" And every man to the signal true Fights for place in the eager crew ; " Now, lads, steady!" First a glance at the shuddering foam, Now a look at the loving home, Then, together, with bated breath, They launch their boat in the gulf of death.

Over the breakers wild, Little they reck of weather, But tear their way Through blinding spray, Hear the skipper cheer and say: " Up with her, lads, and lift her, All together!", They see the ship in a sudden flash Sinking ever And grip their oars with a deeper breath ; Now it's come to a fight with death 1 Now or never! Fifty strokes and they're at her side, If they live in the boiling tide, If they last through the awful strife, Ah, my lads, it's a race for life! Over the breakers wild, Little they reck of weather, But tear their way, Through blinding spray, Hear the skipper cheer and say : " Up with her, lads, and lift her, All together!" And loving hearts are on the shore, Hoping, fearing, Till over the sea there comes a cheer, Then the click of the oars you hear, Homeward steering.

Ne'er a thought of the danger past, Now the lads are on land at last ; What's a storm to a gallant crew, Who race for life and win it too ? Over the breakers wild, Little they reck of weather, But tear their way Through blinding spray, Hear the skipper cheer and say : " Up with her, lads, and lift her, All together!" J. L. MOLLOT.

NOTICE.

The next number of the LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL, containing the Annual Report, dc., will be published on the 1st May..