As it was the flood reached part of the wreck of the airship, that lay on the beach, and washed away some of the broken planks.  But, after the first rush of water, the sea grew less troubled, and there was no more danger from that source.

True, the whole island was rumbling and trembling in the throes of an earthquake, but, by this time, the refugees had become somewhat used to this, and only the two ladies exhibited any outward signs of great alarm, though Mr. Barcoe Jenks, Tom observed, was nervously fingering the belt which he wore about his waist.

“I guess the worst is over,” spoke Mr. Fenwick, as they stood looking toward where part of the island had vanished.  “The shock expended itself on tearing that mass of rock and earth away.”

“Let us hope so,” added Mr. Hosbrook, solemnly.  “Oh, if we could only get away from this terrible place!  We must hoist a signal of distress, even if we are out of the track of regular vessels.  Some ship, blown out of her course may see it.  Captain Mentor, I wish you and Mr. Fordam would attend to that.”

“I will, sir,” answered the commander of the ill-fated resolute.  “The signal shall be hoisted at once.  Come on, Mr. Fordam,” he added, turning to the first mate.

“If you don’t mind,” interrupted Tom, “I wish you would first help me to get what remains of the airship up out of reach of any more possible high waves.  That one nearly covered it, and if there are other big rollers, the wreck may be washed out to sea.”

“I can’t see that any great harm would result from that,” put in Mr. Jenks.  “There isn’t anything about the wreck that we could use to make a boat or raft from.”  Indeed, there was little left of the airship, save the mass of machinery.

“Well, it may come in handy before we leave here,” said Tom, and there was a quiet determined air about him, that caused Mr. Damon to look at him curiously.  The odd gentleman started to utter one of his numerous blessings, and to ask Tom a question, but he thought better of it.  By this time the earthquake had ceased, and the castaways were calmer.

Tom started toward the airship wreck, and began pulling off some broken boards to get at the electrical machinery.

“I guess you had better give Mr. Swift a hand, Captain Mentor,” spoke the millionaire yacht owner.  “I don’t know what good the wreck can be, but we owe considerable to Mr. Swift and his friends, and the least we can do is to aid them in anything they ask.  So, Captain, if you don’t mind, you and the mate bear a hand.  In fact, we’ll all help, and move the wreck so far up that there will be no danger, even from tidal waves.”

Tom looked pleased at this order, and soon he and all the men in the little party were busy taking out the electrical apparatus, and moving it farther inland.

“What are you going to do with it, Tom?” asked Mr. Damon, in a low voice, as he assisted the young inventor to carry a small dynamo, that was used for operating the incandescent lights.