p might be in no real danger; even as
Captain Falcon had said; but, on the other hand, the fire might have
spread more than the commander realized. But Russ, like many another
picture operator, was not afraid to do his duty as he saw it, even in the
face of danger.

Suddenly a great shout arose.

"Wonder what's happened now?" remarked Mr. Pertell. He knew a moment
later, for the shout took to itself words:

"The ship!"

"The rescue ship!"

"There comes the _Bell_!"

Sweeping up through the mist came the ship that had responded to the
wireless calls for aid. On she came at full speed, and when she caught
sight of the _Tarsus_ she sent out a reassuring blast from her great
whistle. It was answered in kind.

"Now you're all right!" cried Captain Falcon over the side, to those in
the small boats. "Row the passengers over to her," he ordered the
sailors, "and then come back to your ship!"

"Aye, aye, sir!" was the answer. And be it said to the credit of those
sailors that not one of them shirked, or tried to desert, which might
have been easily forgiven in the face of the danger.

"I've got to get a picture of her!" cried Russ, as he focused the camera
on the oncoming ship. And a fine picture he obtained.

"Oh, now we're all right, Daddy!" cried Ruth, as she nestled close to her
father. Mr. DeVere had been allowed to go in the boat with his daughters,
as there was plenty of room, and all the other women had been provided
for.

"I wasn't worrying," declared Alice.

"Oh yes, it's easy to say that now," sighed Ruth. "But I'm sorry for poor
Captain Falcon."

"He is a brave man," said Mr. DeVere, again.

The _Bell_ came as close as was safe, and a little later the small boats
rowed to her accommodation ladder, which had been lowered. Then began the
risky work of getting from the small boats to this ladder, and so aboard
the _Bell_. For there was now a little sea on, and the boats rose and
fell to a considerable degree.

But the sailors were skillful, and soon all the passengers and baggage
were transferred. Russ was the last to leave the _Tarsus_, and the last
to go aboard the _Bell_, for he wanted every view he could get.

He was received with a cheer, given not only by his friends, but by the
passengers and crew of the _Bell_.

For Mr. Pertell had told of the devotion to duty of the young operator,
and his act was duly appreciated.

Back to the burning vessel--perhaps, for all they knew, back to their
d