THE ISLAND 

By Tessa Harvey


    To the struggling men trying to reach the sandy shore, it seemed wonderful to see young Lester Shayle leading a group of five or six mostly able-bodied men towards them.
    "The boy Dennis saw you leave for the beach. A nature girl helped him back to us. But....." Lester's voice trailed away. He knew the captain, Edward Starkey had been friends with Don and Dee from years ago in some college or other over in the States. But seeing how badly hurt the older man was, Lester faltered, wiping a grubby hand over his bristly face. Edward noticed at once. "What a blessing you are," he said, cheerfully.
    Turning to one of the seamen in the small group, "Jones, can you organise a stretcher? There was at least one in the lifeboats we managed to salvage." Lester regained his composure.
    Somehow the younger men carefully rolled Don onto the collapsible stretcher. They had to drag him carefully. Some of the passengers came to meet them carrying precious water from their stores.
    Two women had helped Dee to move nearer Don. It was beautiful to see how they both seemed to give life to the other - and hope!


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