"I can scarcely bring myself to realize that that great mast is really up and in; that you have lifted it from the water, swung it through the air, and deposited it here where it belongs.

It is a Titan's task." "And they made themselves many inventions," I began merrily, then paused to sniff the air.
I looked hastily at the lantern.

It was not smoking.

Again I sniffed.
"Something is burning," Maud said, with sudden conviction.
We sprang together for the ladder, but I raced past her to the deck.

A dense volume of smoke was pouring out of the steerage companion-way.
"The Wolf is not yet dead," I muttered to myself as I sprang down through the smoke.
It was so thick in the confined space that I was compelled to feel my way; and so potent was the spell of Wolf Larsen on my imagination, I was quite prepared for the helpless giant to grip my neck in a strangle hold.
I hesitated, the desire to race back and up the steps to the deck almost overpowering me.