"We can't let him perish!" cried one of the lifeboat men; and at the risk of his own life, the boat being hauled up to the wreck, he sprang into the rigging, and with his knife cut the lashings by which the poor boy was held.  A crashing sound was heard, the weather shrouds and stays were giving way.  In another instant the mast would fall, and not only the gallant fellow and his charge, but all in the lifeboat, would perish.