Then it cleared away for a moment and he stopped short , aghast at the sight which met his eyes . Opposite him was a long low island known as Philip 's Point , dwindling down at its northeastern side to two long narrow bars of quicksand . Alan 's horrified eyes saw a small schooner sunk between the bars ; her hull was entirely under water and in the rigging clung one solitary figure . So much he saw before the Point was blotted out in a renewed downpour of sleet . Without a moment 's hesitation Alan turned and ran for Four Winds , which was only about a quarter of a mile away around a headland . With the Captain 's assistance , something might be done . Other help could not be obtained before darkness would fall and then it would be impossible to do anything . He dashed up the steps of Four Winds and met Emily , who had flung the door open . Behind her was Lynde 's pale face with its alarmed questioning eyes . `` Where is the Captain ? '' gasped Alan . `` There 's a vessel on Philip 's Point and one man at least on her . '' `` The Captain 's away on a cruise , '' said Emily blankly . `` He went three days ago . '' `` Then nothing can be done , '' said Alan despairingly . `` It will be dark long before I can get to the village . '' Lynde stepped out , tying a shawl around her head . `` Let us go around to the Point , '' she said . `` Have you matches ? No ?
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