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Rh "Stanley, how about your gasolene launch." questioned Dick, as they raced along the river bank.

"She's all ready to use," was the answer. "I had her out a little while early this morning."

"Then I'll go out with you in that, if you say so."

"Sure," was the ready response.

"Want us?" queried Tom.

"You and Sam better bring another boat," answered Dick. "The more the better. The Thistle must have quite a crowd on board if all the Hope students went on that picnic."

"Grace said about thirty girls were going," re plied Sam. "Oh, if they get burned"

"They won't wait for that—they'll jump into the river first," answered Tom soberly. For the time being all the fun was knocked out of him.

While talking, the boys had been busy with the boats. Stanley's gasolene launch was pushed out, and he and Dick leaped aboard, and the latter set the flywheel going. The engine was in;good running order, and soon a steady put-put! sounded out, and the craft headed for the burning steamer. But, as quick as Dick and Stanley were in their movements, Tom and Sam were equally alert, and as the launch moved away Tom and his brother scrambled into a rowboat, oars in