s at an
end."

I hurried off, and mounted to the poop, where Mr Denning sat in his
chair, well wrapped in a plaid; and as I approached, Miss Denning's
voice asked quickly--"Who is that?"

"Dale, Miss Denning. I've come to tell you that the fire is mastered
again."

I heard her utter a deep sigh, and I believe she began to cry, but it
was too dark to see her face.

"How long had it been burning when you whistled?" I asked.

"Not a minute," said Miss Denning. "We were watching the setting of one
of the stars, when all at once there was a dull report somewhere in the
hold, and in an instant there was a flash, and great volumes of fire and
smoke began to roll up."

"But it was only lit-up steam," I said, talking as one experienced in
such matters.

"Then there is no more danger?" said Mr Denning.

"No, I think not--at present."

"Why do you say at present?" cried Miss Denning, eagerly; and she caught
my arm.

"Don't say anything to frighten her, Dale," said Mr Denning; "she is
half-hysterical now."

"Indeed no, John dear; I am quite calm. Tell us, Alison. It is better
to know the worst."

"I only meant," I said hastily, "that there is sure to be some fire left
smouldering below, where the water will not reach it, and it may break
out again two or three times--just a little, that's all. But we shall
watch it better now. No, no," I cried, "I don't mean that; because no
one could have watched better than you did."

"Starboard watch, ahoy!" cried Mr Brymer, cheerily. "How are you, Miss
Denning?" but before she could reply the mate was up with us.

"Thank you for keeping watch so well. Any idea what time it is?--we
hadn't been asleep long, I suppose."

Mr Denning uttered a little laugh.

"It must be close upon morning," he said.

"Morning? Impossible! What do you say, Miss Denning?"

"I think it must be very near day," she replied. "It is many hours
since you left us."

"And gone like that!" cried the mate in astonishment. "Ahoy there, Mr
Frewen, Preddle," he shouted, "what time should you think it is?"

"My watch is not going," replied Mr Frewen; "but I should say it is
about midnight."

"Oh no," cried Mr Preddle, in his highly-pitched voice; "about eleven
at the outside. Do you think we may venture to lie down again?"

"Almost a pity, isn't it," said the mate, merrily. "Look yonder--
there--right astern."

"Yes?" said Mr Frewen. "What is that? The moon about to rise?"

"Say su