ight."

"I suppose you are right," said Mr Brymer in a dissatisfied tone; and,
giving the orders, Hampton and Barney Blane went off to get the two big
pieces of cast-iron and place them ready for the emergency, though it
was fervently hoped that that need might not occur.

Then as the night was clear, and we were so short-handed, it was settled
that one man only should take the watch, and every one volunteered,
though we were all so exhausted that we could hardly stand. But Mr
Brymer settled that.

"I will take the first watch myself," he said. "All of you go and get
some rest so as to relieve me."

This consultation was held just outside the saloon, and Mr Frewen had
just spoken and told Mr Brymer that he ought to have some one to share
the watch with him, when a white figure suddenly came up out of the
semi-darkness of the cabin, and I gave quite a start.

"You, Miss Denning?" I said.

"Yes. Mr Brymer, our cabin-door is open, and my brother and I have
heard every word."

"Well, my dear young lady," said the mate pleasantly, "I wish you had
heard better news."

"It was the best you could give us," she said quietly. "But my brother
sends me to say that he has had a long sleep, and that if he is helped
to a chair on the upper deck with a night-glass, he could keep the watch
himself, and easily give the alarm if it were necessary."

"But he is not fit to leave alone, Miss Denning," said the doctor
quickly.

"He would not be alone, Mr Frewen," she replied gently. "I should
share his watch."

"And do you think, my dear child," cried Mr Brymer, "that we big strong
men are going to lie down to sleep, and let you watch for us?"

"Why not?" she said quietly. "You have all risked your lives to save
us. It is the least we can do."

"Yes," came in Mr Denning's sharp voice; "we shall keep this watch
together, I am strong enough for that. Nothing shall approach the ship,
Mr Brymer, without your having warning."

"He is quite right, Brymer," said a fresh debater in a faint voice, as
no less a person than the captain joined in the discussion. "You are
all worn-out. We sick folk have sharp ears, and will keep them well
opened."

"I--I really hardly know what to say," said Mr Brymer.

I did, for I suddenly started from the spot where I stood, after
sniffing suspiciously two or three times, shouting--"Fire!--fire!" For
the enemy had evidently been at work insidiously, and had burst its
water-chains, and