Neal and Teddy were given the lightest task, which was simply to watch the hose at the place where it entered the deck, to make sure the water flowed through freely, and the nozzle did not slip out.
Ten minutes after the alarm had been raised all hands were working methodically, thanks to the discipline maintained by Mr. Walters, and it became a question simply of whether the flames could be stifled or drowned.
"Do you think they can save the yacht?" Teddy asked after a short time of silence, and Neal, who had not seen the broad sheet of flame which leaped from the hatch-way replied confidently:
"Of course. If the hold is filled with water she surely can't burn."
"Are there boats enough to carry us all in case the fire does get the best of us?"
"Certainly; but it won't come to anything quite as bad as that."
Before Teddy could ask another question one of the stewards shouted down the forward companion-way:
"Mr. Emery says that his son is to come on deck. There is no need of two there."
Neal obeyed the summons thinking he was to assist at the pumps; but in this he was speedily undeceived.
"Take such things as you are likely to need most from your state-room, and stow them in one of the boats aft," his father said when he reported for further duty. "Although I don't think we shall be obliged to abandon the yacht, it is well to be prepared for any emergency."