The day passed with more
safety signals from the shore. The crew of the _St. Paul_ slept sound
out in mid-harbor unsuspicious of danger. Another day passed, and
another night. Not so many signals! Had the little band of Russians
gone far inland for water, and the signals been hidden by the forest
gloom? A wind was singing in the rigging--threatening a landward gale
that might carry the _St. Paul_ somewhat nearer those rocky shores than
the Russians could wish. Chirikoff sent a sailor spying from the lookout
of the highest yard-arm. No signals at all this day; nor the next day;
nor the next! The _St. Paul_ had only one other small boat. Fearing the
jolly-boat had come to grief among the rocks and counter-currents,
Chirikoff bade Sidor Savelief, the bo'swain, and six armed sailors,
including carpenters to repair damages, take the remaining boat and go to
Dementieff's rescue. The strictest orders were given that both boats
return at once. Barely had the second boat rounded the elbow of shore
where the first boat had disappeared when a great column of smoke burst
from the tree-tops of the hidden shore.
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