and, unless the nights were intensely cold, slept on
deck, in the capacious dog-kennel abaft, which had once been tenanted by
the large mastiff; but he had been dead some years, was thrown
overboard, and, in all probability, had been converted into savoury
sausages at 1 shilling per pound weight. Some time after his decease, I
had taken possession of his apartment and had performed his duty. I had
finished my supper, which was washed down with a considerable portion of
Thames water, for I always drank more when above the bridges, having an
idea that it tasted more pure and fresh. I had walked forward and
looked at the cable to see if all was right, and then, having nothing
more to do, I lay down on the deck, and indulged in the profound
speculations of a boy of eleven years old. I was watching the stars
above me, which twinkled faintly, and appeared to me ever and anon to be
extinguished and then relighted. I was wondering what they could be
made of, and how they came there, when of a sudden I was interrupted in
my reveries by a loud shriek, and perceived a strong smell of something
burning. The shrieks were renewed again and again, and I had hardly
time to get upon my legs when my father burst up from the cabin, rushed
over the side of the lighter, and disappeared under the water. I caught
a glimpse of his features as he passed me, and observed fright and
intoxication blended together. I ran to the side where he had
disappeared, but could see nothing but a few eddying circles as the tide
rushed quickly past. For a few seconds I remained staggered and
stupefied at his sudden disappearance and evident death, but I was
recalled to recollection by the smoke which encompassed me, and the
shrieks of my mother, which were now fainter and fainter, and I hastened
to her assistance.

A strong, empyreumatic, thick smoke ascended from the hatchway of the
cabin, and, as it had now fallen calm, it mounted straight up the air in
a dense column. I attempted to go in, but so soon as I encountered the
smoke I found that it was impossible; it would have suffocated me in
half a minute. I did what most children would have done in such a
situation of excitement and distress--I sat down and cried bitterly. In
about ten minutes I moved my hands, with which I had covered up my face,
and looked at the cabin hatch. The smoke had disappeared, and all was
silent. I went to the hatchway, and although the smell was still
overpowering,