in a steamer bound for
Lake Superior, every one anticipating an unusual amount of enjoyment.
Alas! what a terrible ending to it all! Let me hasten over this
dreadful tragedy; although I can never hope to drive the awful scene
from my mind.

"We were in the height of our enjoyment; little groups, with bright,
animated faces scattered here and there, and apart from the rest, either
promenading the decks, or sheltered in some retired corner, happy
lovers, whispering softly of the future that would never come to them,
for already the sable wings of death hovered over our careless band.

"By some unforeseen accident, and owing to no carelessness on the part
of the officers, the boat had taken fire, and when discovered by the
passengers the flames were making such rapid headway that escape seemed
impossible for the greater portion. It was a wild and awful scene.

"In the tumult I had sought out the children, Grace and Alice, and
carried them with me to a position from which I intended to leap with
them into the water after it became impossible for us to remain longer
on the burning steamer. I was just securing the life preservers about
them, when a heart-rending cry reached my ears, and the next moment my
sister-in-law grasped my arm. She was nearly frantic with fear, and in
the agony of the moment thought of nothing but her own preservation. The
sight of her completely unnerved me. I pointed to the children,
beseeching her to calm herself, and I would save them all. We were not
far from land, and, being an expert swimmer, I believe I could have done
so, had not my movements been impeded as they were. As it was, I could
do nothing. Insane with fright, the instinct of the mother seemed to
have died out. There was but one way. The flames were rapidly nearing
us, and, giving instructions to the children--who seemed more like women
than the shrinking creature who cowered before them--I made one more
effort to impress upon Gracia's mind the necessity for implicit
obedience to my instructions.

"I succeeded in gaining her attention and approval of my plan, but with
the awful danger behind us, there were still precious moments wasted
before I could induce Gracia to venture into the water, of which she
seemed to have a horror. I made almost superhuman exertions to reach the
land, and depositing my almost insensible burden, turned again to
attempt the rescue of my darlings. But I was too late. Faint, and nearly
exhausted, I was m