e within hailing distance of the steam yacht. They could
now see the persons on deck plainly, and made out fully a score of men,
and three or four women, and also one or two children. The smoke was as
thick as ever, but so far no flames were visible.

"Save us, oh, save us!" screamed some one aboard the burning vessel. "We
are burning up!"

The words had scarcely been uttered when there came from the interior of
the steam yacht a dull explosion. Then, of a sudden, something that
looked like a bunch of rockets flew up into the air. With a loud hissing
and with sparks flying in all directions, the bunch of rockets described
a graceful curve and then headed directly for the deck of the _Eaglet_!

CHAPTER III

THE RESCUE AT SEA

"Look out there!"

"Don't let those rockets hit you!"

"Say, this is like a Fourth of July!"

Such were some of the cries that came from the boys on the forward deck
of the steamer when they saw the bunch of rockets flying swiftly toward
them. They had barely time to leap to one side when, with a loud
hissing, two of the rockets fell on the deck not far away. The others
just grazed the rail and swept overboard.

"We've got to put them out!" yelled Phil, and started to rush forward,
intending to stamp on the rockets, when Dave hauled him back.

"Look out, Phil! They may be on the point of explo----"

Bang! Bang! Dave did not have time to finish what he was saying when the
rockets went off in rapid succession, hurling the bits of fire in all
directions. Phil was burnt a little on one cheek, and Dave and Roger
each had a hand scorched, but that was all. Then, realizing that the
worst was over, all the boys rushed forward and stamped out what was
left of the flames.

"Anybody hurt up there?" It was a cry from Captain Bradley, who came
forward on a run, followed by Mr. Lawrence.

"No. We're all right," gasped Phil. "But we might not be if it hadn't
been for Dave;" and he gave our hero a grateful look.

The explosion on the steam yacht had caused a wilder panic than ever,
and in a twinkling a number of those on board leaped into the water.

"Man the boats!" was the order from Captain Bradley.

The _Eaglet_ had already heaved to, and two rowboats manned by the
sailors and commanded by the first mate and a boatswain were soon
lowered to the water. While this was being done, the boys, led by Phil
and Dave, rushed to a third rowboat.

"Now be careful, boys," warned Mr. Lawrence. "