the ship, the night is fine,
and the water smooth enough to enable us easily and comfortably to take
to the boats. Then the boats themselves are amply sufficient to take
everybody without crowding; they are in perfect order and the best
equipped boats I have ever seen; so that let what will happen, I think
we need not alarm ourselves in the least.

"I think, however," he added, the other passengers having gathered round
him, "that it could do no possible harm, and might be of advantage,
supposing that the worst happens, if you ladies were to go to your
berths and make up a package of your warmest clothing, together with any
valuables you may have with you, so as to be in perfect readiness to
leave the ship, if need be. But take matters quietly, I entreat you;
for I sincerely hope it will prove that there is no necessity for any
such decided step."

The two girls turned away, and went together to the cabin which they
jointly occupied. Mrs Staunton had already followed her husband below;
and Dale also hurried away, loudly bewailing his ill-luck in ever having
embarked on board such an unfortunate vessel.

"For heaven's sake follow him, Fortescue, and stop his clamour!"
exclaimed Lance; "he is enough to demoralise an entire regiment, let
alone a small ship's company like this."

Rex nodded, and followed his partner; seizing him by the arm and leading
him aft, instead of allowing him to go below as he evidently intended:

Just then the carpenter came on deck, and advancing to the break of the
poop, shouted--

"Pass along the hose, boys, and start the engine. There is a spark or
two of something smouldering down below, but we'll soon have it out."

The men stationed at the engine gave a ringing cheer and, one of them
starting an inspiriting _shanty_, began at once to work away at the
handles.

"Well, this here's a pretty go, ain't it?" observed Brook, addressing
himself to Evelin as the two stood together at the break of the poop,
watching the men at work.

"A most unfortunate circumstance," replied Lance. "Luckily there are no
signs whatever of anything approaching to panic; and if all keep as cool
as they are at present, we may hope to get out of this difficulty one
way or the other without mishap. _You_ seem tolerably collected, Mr
Brook; so perhaps there may be no harm in telling you that I fear
matters are much more serious than they at present appear to be. All
day to-day the saloon has appeared to m