oat save those who are picked out. Listen, my lads, and you
gentlemen as well. I will have discipline observed. And mind this: I'm
going to extinguish this fire and save the ship if possible. If it
proves to be impossible we'll take to the boats."

"When it's too late," shouted one of the crew.

"No; when it is necessary. Mr Morgan, take three men and the
passengers, and put provisions and water in the boats with compasses,
and lower them down ready. As soon as each boat is ready place one of
the gentlemen armed by her, and he is to shoot down any man who turns
coward and rushes for the boats before orders are given. Now, sir, you
have your orders. Go on."

"Ay, ay, sir," cried the second-mate. "Widgeon, Small, Smith, this way.
Now, gentlemen, quick!"

There was a rush to follow the mate, while the rest of the men on deck
stood in a knot whispering and excited, for the smell of burning now
grew plainer and plainer, and a dense fume rose from the hatch.

"Now, Gregory, have up the men from the forecastle. Did they hear what
was said?"

"Ay, ay, sir," came in a chorus as the men came scrambling up.

"But, captain--the ladies," cried Major O'Halloran excitedly.

"Well, sir, they will behave like English ladies should," said the
captain loudly. "My wife will have charge of them, and they will be
ready to go down to the boats slowly and in order. Mark, my boy, go to
your mother's side and help her in every way you can."

Mark ran to where his mother was standing with Mrs O'Halloran and Mary,
all half-dressed and trembling.

"I heard what your father said, Mark, my boy, and we are going to be
calm. You can go back and help."

Mark ran back, to find his father giving orders sharply, but in as cool
and matter-of-fact a manner as if there was no danger on the way. The
pump handiest was rigged with the fire hose attached, and another was
being got ready for supplying the buckets with which the men were
preparing to deluge the flame.

"Now, Gregory, I must stay on deck. Go down and haul off the hatches.
Find as near as you can where the fire seems to be before you begin to
work. Remember one gallon well placed is worth five hundred thrown at
random."

"You may trust me, Captain Strong," said the mate quietly. "Now then,
two men--volunteers. Go down on your hands and knees as soon as we are
below, and you will not feel the smoke."

The mate disappeared down the main hatch, and the men stood pantin