“Nasty situation, Briggs,” said Captain Dunham.
“Very, sir. The storm makes it all the worse. It is dangerous work in the bunkers in such weather as this. There’s some fear, too, of the coal sliding as the men get it out, even though we’ve got it timbered.”
“Then your plan is to empty the bunker?”
“If necessary, sir. Half-way measures will be no good in a case of this kind. We shall have to get the coal out from below till we reach the fire.
“Very good. I leave the matter in your hands. Try not to let the news leak out, although I suppose it is bound to.”
“I’m afraid so, sir. You can’t keep the firemen quiet, and they are bound to know about it as soon as the special squad goes to work.”
“Well, do the best you can, Briggs.”
“You can rely on me, sir. That Strong is a smart young fellow. If it hadn’t been for him we might not have known of the blaze till it was too late.”
“He is one of the brightest fellows on board,” said the captain warmly, “that is why I am putting him in charge of this squad. Don’t let them expose themselves unnecessarily to danger, Briggs.”
“I will not, sir.”