"Maybe it is from a steamer," returned Dave, "but I don't think it is coming from any funnel."
"What do you think it is—a fire?" cried Phil. And at these words all the boys on the deck rushed to the rail.
"It looks that way to me. Let us get the glasses and find out."
"I'll get them!" cried Roger; and lost no time in disappearing into the cabin.
A minute later he reappeared with a pair of powerful marine glasses which he handed to Phil. The glasses were quickly adjusted, and the shipowner's son took a hasty look seaward.
"It's a small steamer, all right," he announced. "Just as sure as you're born, there's a fire on board."
"Fire!" repeated Roger.
"If she's on fire we ought to go to the rescue!" exclaimed Dave.