Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-04-16

the irightiul elementl-had the mate deceived him
self in supposlng she had not been removed from
the hodl-was there no hope, if she still lived, Of
reaching her in time to save her from horrid
death. All these questions flashed rapidly across
my mind, and my heart sickened | owned
could not answer them. The danger meanwhile,
grew more and more imminent was standing,
as ii were, above mine that had been sprung for
should the flames reach the magazine. inevitable
destruction must ensue
Nor could the catastrophe be much longer post
poned. The devouring element had already gained
possession of all around and even now might be
eating its way rayenousy towards il. Besides, il
paused moment longer the FIRE would reach the
companion way, and all hope Of escape from the
cabin be cut off Had il been only my own life
that was endangered, would not have hesitated
in periling it to the utmost. but when remember
ed that dozen gallant fellows OF crew, well as
score Of others from the rescued sufferers would
be involved in my own fate could not doubt rs to
my duty The reflections had not occupied more
than the instant in which had been throwing open
successfully the doors of the various state rooms.
Alasl all were empty. With heavy heart | was
about to mount the companion when | noticed
that at the further end a massive curtain seemed
10 divide of smaller cabin in aft Of the one was
in. Without moments delay | rushed towards
it. hastily lifted il aside and there beheld sight
shall never forget
This after cabin much smaller, but far more
luxurious than the other. Il was adorned with
everything that taste could suggest, wealth afford
Ouomans completely around it, forming kind Of
divan. At one end was harp and beside it some
music were scattered on the floor But after the
first hasty survey, saw nothing but group of two
beings before me. One ofthem grey haired man,
apparently about sixty-hve. dressed in the gentle
manly costume Of former day, He was bending
wildly over the inanimate from Of fair girl reclin-
ing on the cushions. Never had | seen being
who looked more beautiful than that pale, half
fainting creature seemed at that moment. One
arm supported her on the divan and the other was
thrown around her farther's neck, the blue veins
Just dscernable as they stole along beneath the
ivory skin. Her head rested on the bosom Of her
parent and the hair loose and unbound, sireamed
IN dark, glossy ringles over her snowy shoulders
AT the noise made by my entrance she started,
raised her head, and could see through the tears
that glIstened on her lashes one Of the sweetest
hazel eyes had ever looked upon. A quick flush
shot over her face. crimsoniug to her feet, she
sayed moment TO speak, and then stood with half
opened lips, gazing almost wildly upon me.
"For Gods sake fly" cried, "the ship is on fire
in every part-we can barely escape by the COM
panon way-in another instant she will blow up
why hesitatel For heavens sake come"
"Oh sir, God bless you for your kindness
there is then hope" exclaimed the old man-"bul
Isabel has tainted" he continued go, fly, wilt
die with her" he added in a voice Of agony, vainly
essayiDg to raise in bis enfeebed arms the seeming
ly lifeless from of his daughter looked into her
face. The transition from calm despair to hope
had been too great, and she had indeed tainted
1t was no time to hesitate. Hastily raising the
beautiful stranger in my arms, | called upon the
old man to follow, dashed into the front cabin, hur-
ried up the companion way, and to my utter horror,
found the flames had Just crossed the entrance
For but second | paused. Death was behind,
destruction perhaps, before. Laying my hand up
on the old mans shoulder urged him ahead. hur-
riedly threw the shawl of the fair girl around her
face and form, made bold, desperate push for
life, and in another instant amid the cheers of my
men had gained the quarter deck. The boat shot
to the side, dozen arms were extended TO receive
my burden, carefully gave it in charge TO the
est almost slung the old man after, and springing
with bound into the stern sheets, waved my arm
and shouted
"Shoye off.-giye way-and if ever you pulled
before, pull now, for your lives my menl''
l was obeyed. With one soul they bent their
brawny arms 10 the task, and while the ash almost
snapped beneath them. and then sent her with the
velocity of a sea-gul over the deep. Not a word
was spoken. The old man sat beside me in the
bewderment of gratitude, astonshment, and only
half dissipated fayetteville the form of his still
inanimate child was extended unaded, for the mo-
ment by his side. It was indeed no time for
delay every man knew we we're pulling for life
or death. The other boat was nearly mile ahead
skimming swiftly along from the devoted ship
Far off on the moont horizon lay our schooner,
with all her exquisite tracery reflected in the wave
beneath and seeming with her thin, taper raking
masts, like some eral vessel floating half way be-
tween and sky. Down TO the right was the
burning ship, presenting vast body of lurid fire,
that roared along her sides streamed out her ports,
u III. A. .Ra4.