“It’s a big grain elevator on shore that’s burning!” exclaimed Frank. “See! There it is!”
As he spoke the smoke which enveloped the steamer was blown aside. The boys could then note that, during the night the vessel had approached close to shore. They were near a good-sized city, and, among the wharfs was a big building, built to hold grain in readiness to load on the lake steamers.
From the top of this flames were shooting high into the air, and the Modoc was approaching it at full speed.
CHAPTER VIII
FENN HEARS SOMETHING
“What’s the matter? Can’t Captain Wiggs stop the ship?” cried Fenn, for it certainly looked as if the Modoc was going to run, full tilt, into the flames, which were right at the water’s edge, as the elevator was on the end of the wharf.
“Clang!”
The half speed bell sounded from the engine room. The steamer began to slacken speed.