"Then we'll do what we can for you," answered several of the college youths.
One after another the small boats landed on the shore, which was but a hundred yards away.
"Sam, you stay with the girls," said Dick to his youngest brother. "They may want you to do something for them."
"Oh, Dick, don't get into trouble!" begged Dora, and bent her tender eyes full upon him.
"Don't worry, Dora."
"And, Tom, you be careful, too," added Nellie.
"I will, Nellie," he answered.
Both of the gasolene launches, with eight of the college boys on board, returned to the Thistle. The thick smoke of the burning oil was still rolling up the companionways and hatchways. But, with the deck cleared of passengers, the crew had a better chance to fight the flames.
"Captain, what can we do?" demanded Dick, as he climbed on deck, followed by Stanley and by Allen Charter, who owned the second launch.
"I don't know," answered the master of the vessel, almost helplessly. "That oil burns like fury."
"Wouldn't sand be good for the flames?" questioned Allen.
"Yes—but I ain't got none—that is, not more'n a shovelful or two."
