Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-11-05


fioated in the water lazily Sometimes three
or four placed themselves directly before us,
staring at us, and soemnly working their gills.
There they would remain, till we ceme close
up TO them, and then, with a start they would
dart away.
All this time we were walking onward, along
the bottom of the sea, while above us, like IA
black cloud in the sky, we could see our boat
slowly moving onward upon the surface Of the
water. And now, not more than hundred
yards before us, we could see the towering
form of that ebony rock which had ut first
greeted our eyes from aiar. As yet we could
not be certain that this was the place where
the Marmion had struck. But soon a round,
black object became discernible, as we glanced
at the rocky base.
Rimmer struck my arm, and pointed.
signed assent, and we moved onward more
quickly.
few moments elapsed we had come
nearer to the rock. The black object now
looked like the stern of vessel whose hull
lay there.
Suddenly, Rimmer struck me again, and
pointed upward Following the direction of
his hand, looked up, and saw the upper sur
face of the water all foamy and in motion.
There was momentary thrill through my
heart, but it passed over. We were in dan
gerous condition. A storm was coming on
But shonld we turn back now, when we
were so near the object of our search ? AL
ready it lay before us. We were close beside
it. No, would not. / signalized to Rinmer
to so forward, and we still kept our course.
New the rock rose up before us, black, rug
ged, dismal. Its rough sides were worn by
he action Of the water, and, in some places,
were covered by marine plants, and nameless
ocean vegetation. We passed onward, we
clambered over spur, which jutted from the
cliff, and there lay the steamer.
The Marmion-there she lay upright with
everything still standing. Sho had gone right
down, and had settled in such position, among
the rocks, that she stood upright here, just as
though she lay at her wharf We rushed
eagerly along and clambered up her side.
Their was low moan in the water, which
sounded warningly in our ears, and told us of 1
a swift-approaching danger. What was to be
done, must he done speedily. We hurried |
forward. Rmmer rushed to the cabin / |
went forward, TO descend into the hold. de- |
scended the ladder. | walked into the engi- |
neer's room. All was water. The waves of
the ocean had entered, and were sporting with
the works of man. went into the freight
room. Suddenly, was startled by an appall-
ing noise upon the deck. The heavy loot
steps of some one, running, as though in NOR
tai fear, or most dreadful haste, sounded in my |
ears. Then my heart throbbed wildly; for it |
was a fearful thing to hear, far down in the |
silent depths of the ocean.
Pshaw it's only Rimmcr
l hurriedly assembled the deck by the first
outlet that appeared. When speak of hurry, |
| speak of the quickest movement possible, |
when numbered with so much armor. But
this movement of mine was quick ! rushed
upwards sprang out on the deck.
1t was Rimmer
lie stepped forward and clutched my arm.
lie pressed it with convulsive grasp, and
pointed to the cabin.
attempted to go there.
He stamped his foot, and tried to hold me
back He pointed to the boat, and implored
me, with frantic gestures, to go up.
1t is appalling to witness the horror-struck |
soul trying to express itself by signs. 1t is
awful to see these signs VIXEN U face is plain
ly visible, and no voice is heard. could not
see his face plainly, but his eyes, through his
heavy mask, glowed like Goals of ERE.
81 will gol" ! exclaimed. sprang from
him. lie clasped his hands together, but dar-
ed not follow.
Good heavens thought, what fearful thing
IS here? What scene can be so dreadful as to
paralyze the soul OF practiced diver. will
see for myself
walked forward. ! came to the cabin
door. | entered the forward saloon, but saw
nothing. \ feeling of contempt came to me.
Rimmer shall not come with me again, i thought.
Yet was awe-struck. Down in the depths of
he sea there is only silence-oh, how solemn
paced the loug saloon, which had echoed
With the shrieks nf the drowning passengers.
All there are thoughts which sometimes ill
he soul, which are only felt by those TO whom
scenes OF sublimity are familiar. Thus think
ing, walked to the after-cabn and enter
sd--
Oh, God Of Heavenl
Had not my hand clenched the door with n
grasp that mortal terror had made convulsive,
! should have fallen to the floor | stood |
nailed to the spot. For there before nae stood
a crowd of people-men and women-caught
in the last death struggle by the overwhelm-
ing waters, and fastened to the spot, each in