I could have done much, but as it was I was next to helpless. For a moment I stood irresolute upon the stern. Should I take a plank or what ever came to hand, jump overboard, and trust to luck?
Suddenly a wild cry startled me.
"Save me! Save me!" I looked, and was astonished to see Phil Jones standing terror-stricken near the companionway!
"Phil Jones!" I cried.
"Oh, Foster, is that you?" exclaimed the cabin boy, and he came running to my side.
He was deadly pale, and shook so that he could hardly speak.
"Oh, Foster, where are the others?" he continued.
"Gone!" I replied.
"Gone!" he ejaculated. "And we are left behind?"
"Yes; the cowards have taken the small boat, and we are left without any."
"What shall we do?"
"I was just trying to think. The fire is gaining headway fast."
"Can't we put it out?"
I shook my head.
"It might have been put out at the start, but it's too fierce now."
