"Oh yes, it's easy to say that now," sighed Ruth. "But I'm sorry for poor
Captain Falcon."

"He is a brave man," said Mr. DeVere, again.

The _Bell_ came as close as was safe, and a little later the small boats
rowed to her accommodation ladder, which had been lowered. Then began the
risky work of getting from the small boats to this ladder, and so aboard
the _Bell_. For there was now a little sea on, and the boats rose and
fell to a considerable degree.

But the sailors were skillful, and soon all the passengers and baggage
were transferred. Russ was the last to leave the _Tarsus_, and the last
to go aboard the _Bell_, for he wanted every view he could get.

He was received with a cheer, given not only by his friends, but by the
passengers and crew of the _Bell_.

For Mr. Pertell had told of the devotion to duty of the young operator,
and his act was duly appreciated.

Back to the burning vessel--perhaps, for all they knew, back to their
doom--rowed the sailors of the _Tarsus_. The chief mate of the _Bell_, at
the request of his commander, went to consult with Captain Falcon. On
returning, the mate reported that Captain Falcon felt he could get the
fire under control, and also make repairs to enable him to get his ship
to port.

"Then we will proceed," said Captain Blackstone, of the _Bell_. He gave
the signal to go ahead, and soon the ill-fated _Tarsus_, with the smoke