“Yes; I saw that. We haven’t anything like that at home.”
“I am told the Columbia River has some fine scenery.”
“I wasn’t in earnest, Gerald. It only occurred to me to joke you a little. You must admit, however, that there is nothing worth seeing here.”
“We don’t boast so much of our scenery as our men,” said Gerald. “Samuel Standish, for instance.”
“I think we can match them both in England. I wish we couldn’t.”
On the third evening, however, there was a genuine sensation.
Some one raised the cry of “Fire!” and for five minutes there was a grand commotion. Those who were in their staterooms rushed out in dismay, and there was much rushing to and fro and wild confusion.
Among those who ran out of their staterooms were Gerald and Noel Brooke, but both of them were calm and collected. The Englishman looked about him quickly, but could see no signs of fire.
At this moment one of the officers of the steamer passed by.
“No; I should like to get hold of the miscreant who raised the cry. There is not the slightest indication of fire anywhere.”
Satisfied by this assurance the two friends returned to their stateroom. As they reached the door which had been left open a man darted out.
“Hallo, there!” exclaimed Noel Brooke, seizing him. “What brings you in my stateroom?”
“I beg your pardon,” said Samuel Standish apologetically. “I thought it was my room.”
“That isn’t very probable!” rejoined Brooke sternly.
“I assure you, Mr. Brooke, that it is the truth. I was so alarmed that I really did not know what I was about. I presumed the steamer was doomed, and wished to secure my small baggage, for I am a poor man and couldn’t afford to lose it. Of course when I looked around me I saw that I was mistaken. I hope you will pardon me. Is the fire out? Excuse my agitation.”
“There has never been any fire. Some scoundrel raised the alarm. If he should be found he would probably be thrown overboard by the indignant passengers.”
“And serves him right, too!” said the virtuous Standish. “You have no idea what a shock he gave me. I am a victim of heart disease, and liable to drop at a minute’s notice.”
“I suppose you are ready to go?” said Brooke ironically.
“Well, no, I can’t quite say that. Life is sweet, even if I am a poor man.”