paused, thus indicating that he had another proposition to make.

"The second question is--Will you wait for the _Bell_ to come up? She is
within about fifty miles of us, I should judge, and can reach us inside
of three hours."

"In the meanwhile--the fire may gain?" suggested Mr. Sneed in gloomy
tones.

"It may--yes. It probably will, if it reaches the coal bunkers. That is
what I am afraid of, and why I speak thus plainly."

"Then I'm going to take to a boat!" exclaimed the "grouch."

"So will I!" put in Mr. Bunn.

"Wait," advised Mr. Pertell. "If possible I wish to keep all the members
of my company together. I have not the fear that some of you have. I
trust Captain Falcon."

"Thank you!" exclaimed the commander, evidently greatly pleased with this
mark of confidence. "At the same time I stand ready to lower boats for
those who may wish it. The sea is comparatively calm, and you will have
to use boats anyhow, if you are taken off by the _Bell_."

"Must that be done?" asked Alice, in a low voice.

"If we cannot subdue the fire, I am afraid so, Miss DeVere," answered
the captain. "But there is no danger in that. It is often done."