The others trooped out hastily. On the southern horizon flamed a ruddy light. Spurling gave a cry of alarm.
"Boys, it's a vessel on fire!"
XXI
OLD FRIENDS
Touched by the live wire of human sympathy, Camp Spurling came wide awake in an instant. Out there, four miles to the south, men were perhaps battling for their lives. Jim issued his orders like bullets.
"Come on, boys! We'll take the Barracouta. Fetch a five-gallon can of gas from the fish-house, Perce! Budge and Throppy, launch that dory!"
Dashing into the cabin, he quickly reappeared.
"Thought I'd better get one of those first-aid packets! Somebody may be burnt bad. Now, fellows! Lively!"