Part 4 (1/2)

Both of the gasolene launches, with eight of the college boys on board, returned to the Thistle. The thick smoke of the burning oil was still rolling up the companionways and hatchways. But, with the deck cleared of pa.s.sengers, the crew had a better chance to fight the flames.

”Captain, what can we do?” demanded d.i.c.k, as he climbed on deck, followed by Stanley and by Allen Charter, who owned the second launch.

”I don't know,” answered the master of the vessel, almost helplessly.

”That oil burns like fury.”

”Wouldn't sand be good for the flames?” questioned Allen.

”Yes-but I ain't got none-that is, not more'n a shovelful or two.”

”There is sand up at the boat dock!” cried Stanley. ”They are going to use it for the new garage foundation.”

”Maybe we can haul the steamer up there,” suggested another student.

”We can try it,” answered Allen Charter. ”What do you say, Captain?”

”I'm willing-if you can budge her.”

”She can't be stuck very fast,” said Tom.

The college boys got into the two launches once more, and as speedily as possible ropes were fastened to the Thistle. Then the launches were started up and all power was turned on. At first the big vessel refused to budge.

”Don't seem to be making any headway,” observed Frank Holden.

”Here we go!” cried d.i.c.k, and he was right. Slowly the Thistle moved off the mud shoal and commenced to turn. Then as slowly the vessel followed the two launches in the direction of the dock.

”We want sand!” yelled some of the boys on board. ”Get the sand ready!”

The cries were understood, and by the time the Thistle was brought close to the dock, fully a score of boys stood ready with boxes and pails of sand to come on board. A gangplank was thrown out, and on deck hurried the sand carriers.

”That's the stuff!” cried the captain, and his face brightened with hope.

”Just give that sand to me and the engineer. We know where to put it.”

Boxes and pails were pa.s.sed over with great rapidity, and the sand was taken below and thrown on the burning oil. It was hard and dangerous work and some of the men were all but overcome. While the work was going on Doctor Wallington arrived, followed by the college janitor and some others, all carrying fire extinguishers.

”Here, use these!” cried the master of the inst.i.tution, and the fire extinguishers were soon brought into play. d.i.c.k got one and Tom another and with them succeeded in putting out the flames that had reached one end of the cabin.

All of the men and the boys worked like Trojans, and before long it could be seen that they were getting the best of the conflagration. The smoke was growing thinner and only an occasional spurt of flames showed itself.

”Hurrah! we'll have it out soon!” cried Tom, enthusiastically.

”Yes, and I'll be mighty glad of it,” muttered the captain of the vessel.

”I hope you are insured, Captain,” said d.i.c.k.

”I am-but a fire is always a loss, anyhow.”

”That is true.”