The Chippertons were the last to make their appearance.

Just as their door opened, Rectus ran up to me.
"It's worse than ever!" he said.
"Here!" said I, "take this life-preserver.

Have you life-preservers in your room ?" I asked, quickly, of Mr.Chipperton.
"All right," said he, "we have them on.

Keep all together and come on deck,--and remember to be perfectly cool." He went ahead with Mrs.Chipperton, and Rectus and I followed, one on each side of Corny.

Neither she nor her mother had yet spoken to us; but while we were going up the stairs, Corny turned to me, as I came up behind her, and said: "Is it a real fire ?" "Oh, yes," I answered; "but they may put it out.".