“I left the hose pouring water right on the fire,” he gasped. “If somebody will go down you can have the fire out in ten minutes.”
“I will go,” said Mr. Willett. “I will not be outdone by a boy, even though he be as noble as this lad.” And he disappeared down the hatchway.
Anxiously those on deck waited for him to reappear. At the end of five minutes he did so.
“It is about out,” he reported. “The hose has soaked everything, and there is no more danger. The smoke that is coming up doesn’t amount to anything.”
“Thank God it is so!” exclaimed Mr. Whyland; and everybody near echoed the sentiment.
“Our safety is due to this young man,” said Captain Morris, grasping Oliver by the shoulder. “You deserve a medal for your bravery.”
At this Oliver was compelled to blush. But he blushed even more when a cheer, led by Gus, was taken up by all hands.
“I didn’t do so much,” he said.
“You did enough,” rejoined Mr. Whyland. “What more could be wanted than that?”