"The fire cannot possibly get beyond control before morning, even if it is not put out," the captain replied. "So there will be no need of boats in the night. Even if there were, we have powerful searchlights, and each boat carries her own storage battery lighting plant. Now, please be reasonable."
His words had a calming effect, and those who had rushed up to take to the boats now began to disperse.
Russ, who had come on deck with Mr. DeVere, was seen talking to Mr. Pertell. As the two advanced toward Ruth and Alice the girls heard Russ saying:
"I'm going to make moving pictures of the fire scenes."
"A good idea!" commented Mr. Pertell. "If the captain will let you."
"I'll ask him."
Captain Falcon, after a moment of consideration, agreed that the young operator might take views showing the fire-fighters at work.
"I wish I had had it going when they made that rush for the boat, though," Russ said.
"I am glad you did not," returned the captain, gravely. "I would not have an audience see what cowards some of my men were to so far forget themselves. That is better forgotten. Doubtless they were mad with fear. But I am glad you did not get that picture."
Russ, however, might be pardoned for still wishing he had it, for he had the true instinct of a moving picture operator—he wanted to get everything possible.