taken off on an improvised raft, and cared for by volunteers who had hastily organized to help in this time of stress and trouble.
"The fire will soon burn itself out," remarked Blake, as they went back to it again. "I'll get all the pictures I can, though."
There were only a few more houses left in the row that had started to burn, and when the last of these was gone there was a wide space which would preclude the possibility of more being devoured by the flames—at least until another blaze started.
There was nothing that could be done to check the conflagration. In fact, as the boys learned later, the town was without fire protection, save a volunteer company, with a hand engine, and this was, of course, useless in the flood.
Proceeding to a house at a point below which the small boats were engaged in rescue work, those aboard the Clytie saved a number of women and children. These were taken to a place of safety, and another trip back made.
"There goes the last house!" cried Blake, as, the final one in the row caught.
"Yes, and there's a woman signaling to us!" added Joe.
"Two of 'em!" yelled Mr. Piper, as he caught sight of two forms at a third-story window.
