"What is the report?" asked Mr. Pertell.

"Not very encouraging," was the answer. "We are now disabled, and the
fire is still burning."




CHAPTER VI

BY WIRELESS


For a moment no one spoke, after the portentous words of Captain Falcon.
Men and women looked at each other. The members of the moving picture
company glanced from face to face. What would come next?

"Does this mean--does it indicate that we are to take to the boats?"
asked Mr. DeVere, solemnly.

"Not necessarily," the captain replied. "I have come to put the matter
plainly to you. The fire gained, in the night, and it reached the engine
room compartment. We are, therefore, temporarily disabled, and cannot
proceed, as we could have done had not this occurred. For we had the
first blaze out.

"Now, those who wish will be put into life boats, with such of their
belongings as it is practicable to take with them."

"What is the other alternative?" asked Mr. Pertell, as the captain