"Look here young man, do you want to start a panic? You know what
that is on board ship. Keep cool, we'll get the fire out all right."
"I am cool," responded Tom, and, though he did look a bit excited,
he was calm enough to know what he was doing.
"Then keep back!" insisted the officer.
A crowd was gathering and there were ominous whispers sent back and
forth. Some hysterical women were beginning to scream, and there
were anxious looks on all faces.
"I tell you it's important that I go down there," insisted Tom. "I
want to get a box--"
"We'll look after the baggage of the passengers," declared the
officer. "You don't need to worry, young man."
"But I tell you I do!" and Tom's voice was loud now. "It isn't so
much on my account, as--" and then, stepping quickly to the side of
the officer he whispered something.
"What!" cried the officer. "You don't tell me? That was a risk! I
guess I'll have to help you get it out. Here, Mr. Simm," he called
to one of the mates, "stand guard here. I'm going down into the hold
with this young man."
"Shall I come?" cried Ned.
"No, you go stay with Mr.
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