The Tarsus was still motionless, save only as she rolled with the sea, which was still calm.  Captain Falcon found that to proceed would be to drive the smoke aft into the cabins, and he did not want to do this.  So he had the main engines shut down.

Through the night the fire was fought, and in the morning it was a gray and haggard captain who faced the anxious group of passengers gathered in the main saloon.

“What is the report?” asked Mr. Pertell.

“Not very encouraging,” was the answer.  “We are now disabled, and the fire is still burning.”

CHAPTER VI

BY WIRELESS

For a moment no one spoke, after the portentous words of Captain Falcon.  Men and women looked at each other.  The members of the moving picture company glanced from face to face.  What would come next?

“Does this mean—­does it indicate that we are to take to the boats?” asked Mr. DeVere, solemnly.

“Not necessarily,” the captain replied.  “I have come to put the matter plainly to you.  The fire gained, in the night, and it reached the engine room compartment.  We are, therefore, temporarily disabled, and cannot proceed, as we could have done had not this occurred.  For we had the first blaze out.

“Now, those who wish will be put into life boats, with such of their belongings as it is practicable to take with them.”

“What is the other alternative?” asked Mr. Pertell, as the captain paused, thus indicating that he had another proposition to make.

“The second question is—­Will you wait for the Bell to come up?  She is within about fifty miles of us, I should judge, and can reach us inside of three hours.”

“In the meanwhile—­the fire may gain?” suggested Mr. Sneed in gloomy tones.

“It may—­yes.  It probably will, if it reaches the coal bunkers.  That is what I am afraid of, and why I speak thus plainly.”

“Then I’m going to take to a boat!” exclaimed the “grouch.”

“So will I!” put in Mr. Bunn.

“Wait,” advised Mr. Pertell.  “If possible I wish to keep all the members of my company together.  I have not the fear that some of you have.  I trust Captain Falcon.”

“Thank you!” exclaimed the commander, evidently greatly pleased with this mark of confidence.  “At the same time I stand ready to lower boats for those who may wish it.  The sea is comparatively calm, and you will have to use boats anyhow, if you are taken off by the Bell.”

“Must that be done?” asked Alice, in a low voice.

“If we cannot subdue the fire, I am afraid so, Miss DeVere,” answered the captain.  “But there is no danger in that.  It is often done.”

“Then I say, let’s wait for the other vessel,” decided Mr. DeVere.  “There may finally be no necessity for leaving our own ship, I take it?” he asked.

“There may—­it’s a chance.”