roke out she had weathered a severe gale, the effects of which
had not yet passed away, for, although there was little wind, the waves
were still high, and the burning ship rolled and plunged heavily.

How the fire originated no one could tell, but the instant it was
discovered, the captain, who was a brave and able man, took prompt
measures for its extinction. But his utmost efforts failed of success,
because (the old story) there was _no suitable machinery on board for
the extinction of fire_! The owners of this ship, however, were not,
like too many, utterly regardless of human life. On the contrary they
had done a great deal--much more than is done by many ship-owners--for
the comfort and safety of those who had entrusted their lives to them.
There were boats on board sufficient to carry the entire crew and
passengers; and two of these were lifeboats. There was also a large
supply of life-buoys and life-jackets; the latter being made of cork, in
such a form that the wearers might be able to work in them without
inconvenience. But in preparing the ship for sea, fire had not been
sufficiently considered. There was no fire-engine aboard. Buckets
there were, and these were plied with vigour, but, as we have said,
without success.

Finding that the fire continued to gain strength, the captain ordered
the ship to be scuttled; in other words, to be flooded by opening the
lower ports and letting the sea rush in. The ship was one of those old
East Indiamen, which in former days carried guns and marines like our
men-of-war. The ports were soon knocked out, and the sea burst in,
foaming and splashing like a mill-race when the sluice is drawn as it
swept towards the hold, carrying boxes, bulk-heads, loose furniture and
all before it. When it poured in a mighty cataract into the hold, the
terrified multitude that crowded the upper deck entertained the hope for
a few minutes that the fire would certainly be put out. Their hope was
quickly crushed, for the ship soon gave signs of being waterlogged and
threatened to settle down, rendering it necessary to close the ports
before the fire was subdued.

A wail of despair rose, from them when this was done, for now they knew
that the ship was doomed, and that death in two of its most appalling
forms stared them in the face. The scene that followed was
heart-rending. The more timid among the passengers lost self-command.
Some fell on their knees, and with bitter cries impl