BOOM! Booml The sound of the signal gun Thrills the heart, as it startles the ear, And swift as their flying feet can run The men rush out as the sound they hear; And swift as their strong hands can undo, Shackle and fastenings are undone, And the coxswain and the Life-boat crew Beady* for duty which must be done.

Down on the stony, surf-swept beach, The women are waiting to see them go.

The slip is short, and the boat won't reach The spot where the frothing waters flow; And time is precious, the women think, So they put their shoulders to the wheel, -Nor from the waters the brave souls shrink, The brave women and wives of Piel.

They're sending their dearest ones away, Launching them on the treacherous wave, And none of them dream of saying " Stay I " For Duty calls, and there's lives to save.

O'er the bar where the white horses ride, Out on the bay where the seas run high, Men, at the mercy of wind and tide.

Await their coming, for death is nigh.

Now she's afloat! and away she goes Into the very teeth of the gale, Tossing the white spray over her bows As she rapidly scuds under sail.

Now she's deep on the trough of the sea, Now on the top of a crested wave; What? oh I what will the issue be? Life, or death ? Will they lose or save ? The little brown sail is out of sight, It has disappeared around " Seldom Seen; " And we watch until the shades of night Fall over the tempestuous scene.

Oh I to know what is happening there, Out on that wild, white waste of foam; But God is above—to Him the pray'r Bises, "Dear Lord, send the lads safe home." And oh I the joy and relief to all When later the message comes to tell, The Life-boat, in answer to the call, Had saved three lives, and all were well.

O beautiful love I that sends forth man On the pitiless deeps to seek and save.

Surely the Life-boat is first in the van • Of Humanity, with its warriors brave.

ANNIE ISABEL CURWEN.

NOTICE.

The next number of the LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL will be published on the 1st February, 1902..