Year: 1860

"Mr. Danforth," at this moment shouted
Jack from the other boat ahead, "there's a
lady and father, they say here, still on the
ship-for Heavens sake let US try to save
them"


For one moment, as remembered my Or
ders and the extremity of our danger, paus-
ed-but when reflected that by departing,
We should abandon two human beings to a
horrid death, hesitated no longer. Hastily
learning from the mate of the vessel that
they were their own passengers, and having
taken refuge in the hold during the late
chase, had since been forgotten-and not
feeling warranted in ordering any Que on so
dangerous a journey, l gave the boat in
charge of Irwin, who had luckily smuggled
himself on board, sternly bid one or two of
the crew who attempted to follow to keep
their stations, mounted her side by rope
that hung over her quarter, rapidly traversed
tue uccA Ill Tic uiluSI VI ueueLuouS uedt
and darted down the companion-way, leav-
ing the flames not over five feet from its en-
trance.


The cabin was large one, and fitted up
with taste. The decorations were even luxu-
rious, and such as had at that time rarely
seen in merchantmen. The state rooms were
Of mahogony, inlaid with ebony, and finished
off with great elegance. Curtains, apparent
ly of damask, hung around, and the show of
silver and cut glass by the companion-way
was even brilliant. The cabin was, however.
still as death. A lady's glove lay on the Of
toman, and beside it was an open book, but
no other traces of human being were discern
able around. Where could the owner of
that small, delicate French kid glove be ?
Was she already victim to that frightful
element? Had the mate deceived himself
in supposing she had been removed from the
hold? Was there no hope, if she still lived,
of reaching her in time to save her from a
horrid death? All these questions flashed
rapidly across my mind, and my heart sick
ened as owned that l could not answer
them.


The danger meanwhile grew more and
more imminent. was standing, as it were.
above mine that had been sprung, for
should the flames reach the magazine, inev-
liable destruction must ensue. Nor could
that catastrophe be much longer postponed
The devouring element had already gained
possession Of all around, and even now might
be eating its way ravenously towards it. Be
sides if paused moment longer, the fire
would reach the companion-way and all hope
of escape from the cabin be cut off, Had it
been only nay own life that was endangered,
would not have hesitated in periling it to
the utmost, but when l remembered that a
dozen gallant fellows from my crew, as we'll
as score Of others from the rescued suffer
ers, would be involved in my own fate,
could not doubt my duty.


These reflections, however had not occu-
pied more than an instant in which had
been engaged in throwing open successiyey
the doors of the state rooms. Alas, all were
empty. With heavy heart was about to
mount the companion-way when l noticed
that massive curtain at the further end
seemed to divide off smaller cabin aft of
the one was in. Without moments de-
lay l rushed towards it, hastily lifted it
aside, and there beheld sight shall never
forget.


This after-cabin was much smaller, but far
more luxurious than the other. 1t was
adorned with everything that taste could
suggest or wealth afford. Ottomans ran
completely around it, forming kind of di-
van. At one side was harp, and beside it
some music scattered on the floor. But after
my first hasty survey l saw nothing but
group Of two human beings. One of them
was grey-haired man apparently about six
ty-five, dressed in the gentlemanly costume
of former day. He was bending wildly
over the almost inanimate form of fair girl,
reclining on the cushions. Never had seen
being who looked more beautiful than that
pale, half-fainting girl seemed at that mo-
ment. One arm supported her on the divan
and the other was thrown around her fathers
neck, the blue veins just discernable as they
stole along beneath the ivory skin. Her
head rested on the bosom of her parent, and
the hair, loose and abundant, streamed in
dark. glossy ringlets over her snowy shou,-
ders.


At the noise made BY my entrance she
started, raised her head, and l could see
through the tears that glistened on her lash-
es one of the sweetest hazel eyes have ever
looked upon. A quick flush shot over her
face, crimsoning it like rose leaf, as she be-
held stranger, and half starting to her feet
she essayed moment to speak, and then
stood with half opened lips gazing almost
wildly upon me.


For Gods sake, ay!" l cried, "the ship is
on fire in every part-we can hardly escape
by the companion-way-in another instan,
she will blow up. Why hesitate? For hea-
ven's sake, come"


"Oh sir, God bless you for this kindness
there is then hope !" exclair ed the old man