“The ship is on fire, and we, with the aid of your men, have to put it out,” said Jack.
“Fire!” exclaimed Mrs Bubsby. “Oh, dear! oh, dear! what will become of us. I thought such a thing was impossible on board of a well-regulated man-of-war.”
Jack had no time to reply to the lady. That the ship was on fire was too certain, as they could perceive a strong smell of burning, and although the smoke could not be seen through the darkness, its suffocating effects were felt as it ascended through the after hatch-way. Jack at once ordered the first lieutenant and boatswain with a party of men to go below and ascertain the cause and extent of the fire, while the soldiers stood ready with buckets full of water in their hands, as did a party of the crew, with wet blankets and sails, to extinguish it. No sooner was the hatch taken off, however, than not only smoke but bright flames ascended. On this the soldiers, who were standing on the lower deck, were ordered to advance and heave the contents of their buckets over the spot. At first it appeared to produce but little effect. The steam pump was set to work and the hose carried aft, but scarcely had it begun to work, than the machinery by some accident gave way, and it was of no service.
The major, seeing the serious aspect of affairs, at length rushed up to Jack.
“Captain Rogers, what is to become of my wife and daughters?” he asked, in an agitated tone.
“We will lower one of the boats, and put them into it,” said the captain, “with the senior mate and a midshipman.”
Jack at once issued the order for the cutter to be lowered and manned. Her own crew went in her with the officers Jack had appointed.
“Murray, you go too,” he said. “We will take you on board again as soon as the fire is put out.”
Alick touched his cap, but was evidently very unwilling to go, though he said nothing.
“The boat is ready, major, for your wife and daughters,” shouted Jack.