Mr.Hardy went to a group of men.
"Get some buckets, my lads," he said quietly, "and make your way down to the hold.

I will go with you.

As was to be expected, the lightning has fired the foot of the mast; but there is no cause for alarm.

As we have discovered it so soon, we shall not be long in getting it under." The men at once filled the fire buckets and, led by Mr.Hardy, went below.

As soon as the hatchway leading to the hold was lifted, a volume of smoke poured up.
"Wait a minute, till it has cleared off a little," the lieutenant said; and then, to the midshipman who had accompanied him: "Go to the captain, and tell him that there is more smoke than I like, and ask him to come below.