The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-01-11

the danger from the passengers now,
for the steamer was full ofsmoKe, and
wild cries from the deck announced
that the danger was known. They
must face the most terrible danger
known to the sea. the danger of all
Others the most feared-the danger
of fire! Women shrieked and fain-
ted, strong men trembled and could
not move hand or foot, and others
ran wildly about the decks, render
ing no assistance. Mabel Vane, utter.
ly beWildered by the sudden horror,
felt strong hand clutch her arm, and
saw Will Clay, blackened by smoke
and singed by fame.
"Go aft" he said, hoarsely. "Stand
on the port quarter and walt for me.
and will save you or die trying.
Obey me. girl; am your master
now"
She looked at him in mute wonder
and oheyed him in silence. He sprang
away and began to fight the fire as
he could. aided by the officers and
crew and some few of the passengers
who kept their heads. Among these
was Arthur Vane, a handsome old
gentleman. with an engaging face.
"YOu are a man. William Clay"
he said, as the two hurled the con-
tents of a great water cask down the
open hatch. "If we ever escape, the
company shall know that they nave
got man in their employment. If
we don't, it is nll the same. Have
you seen my daughter ?"
II sent her aft just now, and told
her that l would save her or lose my
life. Aud I'll do it, too, because l
love her."
Love her, you!"
"Just now you said I was man."
said Will, quietly. LAY hold on
that cask, you. What are you shirk-
ing for? Can't we talk and work.
tOo?"
A strange smile came over the face
of the old merchant, and they hurled
the cask into the water, and assisted
the men working at the fall in rails.
ing it.
"Don't think 1 am a fool. Mr..
Vane," said Will. eff I lived 1000
years and saw her every day,
wouldn't tell her rs much as I've
told you. And what's m0re-ynu
wouldn't have heard rne say it il il
had not come out before 1 the ught.' =
Mr.. Vane said not a word and Will
Clay was silent. They worked hard
to save the steamer, but the fiame>
gained upon them inch by inch and
drove them aft.
"Giye it up. captain" whispered
Will. SECT out the boats and pro-
vision them. Take time for all you
want, and we will fight the fire."
The sailors worked with a will un-
til they saw the boats drawing up to
the gangWay and the passengers tax
ing places, when they left their work
and sprang for the boats. The pas
sengers made a rush at the same
moment. but as they neared the gang
way they met Will Clay. a pistol in
each hand, and his eyes flashing fire.
"Stand back there !" he cried. "Do
you call yourselves men? Do you
want to swamp the boats and spoil
our only chance 2"
Get out of the way !" hissed a gi-
gantic Swede, raising his heavy hand.
"Out of the way or / will crush you
with single blow!"
A pistol cracked and the man fell
back, shot through the shoulder. The
crowd recoiled before this determin-
ed young man, for even in an hour
like this men fear sudden death.
keep back. 1 say J" repeated the
young mate. pass along those la
dies first, for they 60 in the first
boat
This order was promptly obeyed
and then six of the crew, called out
by name, went into the boats and
pulled away from the gangway, un-
der command of the first mate. Boat
after boat pulled up to the gangway
received its load and pulled away.
There was no more rushing, for there
was death in the eyes of the young
mate and the captain, who had taken
his place by his side.
MY daughter is not in the boats,
young man." said Arthur Vane.
hoarseIy.
Miss Vane," said Will. "you may
come noW."
Mabel. who had been standing
apart, hurried forward. Mr.. Vane
stepped into the boat and the last OF
the crew followed. Then a panic
seemed to seize them and they push
ed off, leaving ths captain and mate
upon the doomed steamer. as long
tongues of flame leaped out toward
H.,