“But it was a close call,” observed Jerry.
“And those other boats in there are goners,” remarked Ned. “Too bad!”
“Maybe we can save one or two,” suggested Jerry, for there were a number of fine motor craft in the place.
It was rather dangerous turning back, for the house was now half enveloped in flames. But the Scud was under control, and the boys well knew how to handle her. Accordingly her bow was pushed back into the boathouse long enough for the boys to cast off the mooring lines of two other boats, which they shoved out into the river.
“Better pull out! It’s getting too hot here,” panted Ned.
“Guess you’re right,” agreed Jerry. He sent their boat out into the middle of the stream, and the cool night air was grateful to the boys.
From this vantage point they watched the progress of the flames. The fire would have to be left to burn itself out, for, after the lumber yard and the boathouse were consumed, there was no other material near for the flames to feed on. The firemen could do but little, as the conflagration was beyond control when discovered.
Some time after midnight the fire had nearly burned itself out, and the boys, finding another boathouse, where they could leave their craft, went back to the hotel. They found Andy Rush there waiting for them.
“Where have you fellows been? I was looking all over for you! Big fire!” panted Andy.