He took the fainting girl from me, and went up the companion. Then I sought my way through the choking fumes to the door leading into the forward cabin, off which was the steward's storeroom. Taking a good breath of the best air available--near the floor--I plunged through and stumbled over a prostrate body. Grabbing it by the collar and stooping low, in case I had to take a new breath, I dragged it swiftly back through the door and up to the companion, where the air was somewhat sweeter. I recognized the captain, and as men were overhead on the poop, waiting for orders, I had them haul him up, and lead the deck hose into the forward companion. Then, to get there the more quickly, and thinking of Fred, possibly suffocating in his room, I took another blind dash into the forward cabin, and found sweeter air, also more light. And there was Fred, who had opened the forward door for air, coolly playing the stream from a fire extinguisher into the blazing storeroom. "Never mind your hose," he said. "I'll have it out in a jiffy." But the men were already crowding into the cabin with the hose; and, directing me to go on deck and watch the ship, he ordered the men to drag out on deck all half-consumed articles, as fast as they could handle them. Angry and jealous that this young prig should have proved himself the man of the hour, I obeyed him, and found the skipper and the young lady aft near the wheel, both conscious, but weak. I reported that the fire was out, thanks to the first mate and a fire extinguisher. "Yes, it was in his room, ready for such an emergency," said the captain. "Josie, this is the second mate, Mr. Winters; my niece, Mr. Winters. She has been very seasick, so far, and has not shown herself. Do you know, Mr. Winters, I have hopes of our first officer. He is young, but efficient." "Of course he is, sir," I answered hypocritically. "His education is a valuable asset." "Oh, but it was not his education, in this case. Why, he went down in that stifling smoke, and rescued this little girl, just as she was fainting away; then he went on into the forward cabin, and hauled me out to safety. I honor that young man." "Yes," said the girl. "I saw him, just as my senses were leaving me. He seemed a demigod, so big, and broad-shouldered, and fearless. I knew I was safe at that moment." Before I could speak, Fred appeared, and I backed away. I knew that the matter was too trifling of itself to make a point of--to assert that I was the heroic individual that went down into the smoke; yet, when I looked on and listened, while that apology for a seaman responded politely to their thanks for saving their lives, I escaped the scene. I went forward of the house, where I soon met the steward. "Look here, you animated frankfurter," I said, as I collared him. "Did you tell the skipper that the mate went down the after companion, and pulled him out?" "Sure," he answered earnestly. "You're a mate, ain'dt it?"