men, and succeeded in
bringing up a considerable quantity, which was stowed in the stern
gallery. All the other hands, not otherwise employed, were engaged
under the different officers in heaving water down the hatchways; but
the smoke increased to such a degree that they were compelled to desist,
several who persevered falling senseless on the deck. The powder which
had been got up being hove into the sea, the captain gave the order to
drown the magazine. The difficulty of accomplishing this task was,
however, very great, and the second lieutenant and gunner, with several
of the men, were drawn up, apparently lifeless, after making the
attempt. Lieutenant Saltwell now again descended to the after cockpit,
where he found one man alone still persevering in the hazardous duty--
Ben Twinch, boatswain's mate.

"A few more buckets, and we'll do it, sir!" cried Ben; but almost
immediately afterwards he sank down exhausted.

The lieutenant, singing out for a rope, fastened it round him, though
feeling that he himself would be overpowered before the gallant seaman
could be drawn up. He succeeded, however, and once more returned to the
deck above. Still, he knew that a large quantity of powder remained
dry, and that should the fire reach the magazine, the destruction of all
on board would be inevitable. Although gasping for breath, he was about
again to descend, when a light, active figure, with a rope round his
waist, darted passed him, and he recognised Rayner. He was about to
follow, when he heard the voice of the midshipman shouting, "Haul me up,
quick!"

The next instant Rayner was drawn up, too much exhausted to speak. He
had succeeded in drowning a portion of the powder; but a quantity
remained, sufficient at any moment to blow the ship into the air.

Although no human being could exist between the decks forward, the
after-part of the lower deck remained free from smoke. In the hopes of
getting at the magazine, the carpenter was directed to cut scuttles
through the ward-room, and gun-room, so as to get down right above it.
By keeping all the doors closed, the smoke was prevented from entering,
and at length it was found that the powder could be drawn, up and hove
overboard out of the gallery windows. Several of the officers
volunteered for this dangerous duty. Rayner, notwithstanding that he
had just before escaped suffocation, again twice descended, and was each
time drawn up more dead than alive. Severa