Mary White's dream is to build a rescue boat that will save lives. This is a novel based on an amazing true story, set in a time of war with France and the Jacobite Rising of 1745, led by Bonnie Prince Charlie

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With just me on his back, Hercules pounds off at great speed. Up on the cliff path, we cover the five miles to Stone Bay in less than ten minutes. As I head for the beach, there is already a crowd of spectators gathered, some to watch, others to help. No doubt there’ll be looters waiting for cargo to be washed ashore, too.

Fires have been lit to guide sailors attempting to swim ashore. The stricken ship has already begun to break up. I can see my brother Thomas coming ashore with his rescue boat full. I ride right up to him. “Is everyone safe?” I shout.

People are helping the half-drowned sailors from the boat and wrapping them in rugs and oilskins. The crew drags the vessel onto the beach. “We’ve got most of ‘em. Some chose to swim but I fear for their safety,” Thomas pants.

“Any left aboard?”

“Aye, the captain and two others. They’re clinging to the mast. We couldn’t persuade them to jump. They haven’t got long. She’s going down fast.”

I look out to sea. The wreck isn’t too far out and I can just spot the mast and the three men. I can also see The Mary White way out on the horizon. She won’t get there in time. Without thinking it through, I point Hercules in the direction of the wreck and we thunder into the waves. The horse is fearless; I can sense his legs pounding the water as soon as he gets out of his depth. I urge him on and his neck strains forward. As we approach the wreck, I shout to the men to throw themselves into the water. One of the men leaps overboard and thrashes towards me. I turn Hercules towards the beach and gesture to the man to grab hold of his tail. As a drowning man does, he grasps hold of it and hangs on for dear life. It doesn’t take long to drag him ashore. Immediately I turn Hercules and he doesn’t hesitate. We head back to the wreck.

There is very little left of the mast above the water, but the two men are still clinging to it. “Let go,” I shriek, “or else you’ll go down with the ship.” It is doubtful they hear me, but fear drives them to reach for safety. They plunge forward, grabbing for the horse’s tail. As soon as they have hold, I urge Hercules back to shore. He lives up to his reputation for courage and strength. He takes the three of us back to safety.

By Gillie Bowen

From: France

Website: http://gilliebowen.simplesite.com

Twitter: AmuseBoucheCook