the smoke from some incoming steamer," returned Ben. "I
noticed that a few minutes ago."

"Maybe it is from a steamer," returned Dave, "but I don't think it is
coming from any funnel."

"What do you think it is--a fire?" cried Phil. And at these words all
the boys on the deck rushed to the rail.

"It looks that way to me. Let us get the glasses and find out."

"I'll get them!" cried Roger; and lost no time in disappearing into the
cabin.

A minute later he reappeared with a pair of powerful marine glasses
which he handed to Phil. The glasses were quickly adjusted, and the
shipowner's son took a hasty look seaward.

"It's a small steamer, all right," he announced. "Just as sure as you're
born, there's a fire on board."

"Fire!" repeated Roger.

"If she's on fire we ought to go to the rescue!" exclaimed Dave.

CHAPTER II

SOMETHING ABOUT THE PAST

"What's this I hear about fire?"

The question came from a burly, pleasant-faced man, who had just
appeared on deck, close to the boys. It was Mr. Lawrence, the owner of
the steamer.

"Why, Dad, there's a steamer out there, and we think she's on fire,"
answered Phil, quickly. "Here, take a look at her." And he handed over
the marine glasses.

"On fire!" exclaimed Mr. Lawrence, and raised the glasses to his eyes.
"By Jove, boys, I think you're right! Phil, call Captain Bradley, and be
quick about it. You'll find him in the after cabin. I just left him
there."

The son darted off, and while he was gone Mr. Lawrence and the boys took
turns in looking through the glasses at the distant vessel. The smoke
was now increasing, and as it did not come from the funnel of the
steamer, there was no doubt but that the vessel was on fire.

"You sent for me, Mr. Lawrence?" inquired the captain of the steamer,
as he hurried up with Phil at his heels.

"Yes, Captain. There's another steamer out there, and we are pretty sure
she's on fire," answered Mr. Lawrence. "Change your course and put on
speed." And as he spoke the shipowner turned the glasses over to the
captain.

Captain Bradley gave one searching look. "It's true! She's on fire, and
we had better get to her as soon as possible!" he cried, and then
hurried away to give the necessary directions. Soon the bow of the
_Eaglet_, which was the name of the steamer, was headed in the direction
of the craft that seemed to be in trouble.

"If she's really in danger, I hope we get there soon enough to help
those on