“But suppose we have to take to the boats at night?” asked Mr. Sneed, who seemed to have the faculty for hitting on the most unhappy aspect of any situation.

“The fire cannot possibly get beyond control before morning, even if it is not put out,” the captain replied.  “So there will be no need of boats in the night.  Even if there were, we have powerful searchlights, and each boat carries her own storage battery lighting plant.  Now, please be reasonable.”

His words had a calming effect, and those who had rushed up to take to the boats now began to disperse.

Russ, who had come on deck with Mr. DeVere, was seen talking to Mr. Pertell.  As the two advanced toward Ruth and Alice the girls heard Russ saying: 

“I’m going to make moving pictures of the fire scenes.”

“A good idea!” commented Mr. Pertell.  “If the captain will let you.”

“I’ll ask him.”

Captain Falcon, after a moment of consideration, agreed that the young operator might take views showing the fire-fighters at work.

“I wish I had had it going when they made that rush for the boat, though,” Russ said.

“I am glad you did not,” returned the captain, gravely.  “I would not have an audience see what cowards some of my men were to so far forget themselves.  That is better forgotten.  Doubtless they were mad with fear.  But I am glad you did not get that picture.”

Russ, however, might be pardoned for still wishing he had it, for he had the true instinct of a moving picture operator—­he wanted to get everything possible.

He now set up his camera in different parts of the ship, and made a number of separate views.  The black smoke would come out particularly well on the film, he knew.

The men were shown at their various stations, and of those at the hatchway where the smoke came up, several different views were made.  Captain Falcon was also shown, directing the fire-fighting.

In order to cut off the draft from the fire the hatchway had been covered with heavy tarpaulins, the hose being put through holes cut in them.

There was some relaxation of the tension following the captain’s little speech, but even yet there were serious faces among the passengers, as the volume of smoke seemed to grow instead of diminish.  Captain Falcon, too, was observed to be laboring under a strain.

“I wonder if it is true—­as he says—­that there is no danger?” observed Alice, as she, Paul and Ruth walked about uneasily, pausing now and then to observe the men at work.

“Oh, I think so,” answered Paul, quickly.  “He would have no object in deceiving us, and let matters go so long that it would be necessary to take a risk in getting to the boats.  If he did that he might be censured by the owners.  I think he really believes there is no danger.  And when he thinks otherwise he will give us ample warning.”

“Let us hope so,” murmured Mr. DeVere.  “Fire is a terrible element—­terrible, and at sea there is nothing more awful!  I trust we may be spared from it.”