, as they could perceive a strong smell of burning, and
although the smoke could not be seen through the darkness, its
suffocating effects were felt as it ascended through the after
hatch-way. Jack at once ordered the first lieutenant and boatswain with
a party of men to go below and ascertain the cause and extent of the
fire, while the soldiers stood ready with buckets full of water in their
hands, as did a party of the crew, with wet blankets and sails, to
extinguish it. No sooner was the hatch taken off, however, than not
only smoke but bright flames ascended. On this the soldiers, who were
standing on the lower deck, were ordered to advance and heave the
contents of their buckets over the spot. At first it appeared to
produce but little effect. The steam pump was set to work and the hose
carried aft, but scarcely had it begun to work, than the machinery by
some accident gave way, and it was of no service.

The major, seeing the serious aspect of affairs, at length rushed up to
Jack.

"Captain Rogers, what is to become of my wife and daughters?" he asked,
in an agitated tone.

"We will lower one of the boats, and put them into it," said the
captain, "with the senior mate and a midshipman."

Jack at once issued the order for the cutter to be lowered and manned.
Her own crew went in her with the officers Jack had appointed.

"Murray, you go too," he said. "We will take you on board again as soon
as the fire is put out."

Alick touched his cap, but was evidently very unwilling to go, though he
said nothing.

"The boat is ready, major, for your wife and daughters," shouted Jack.

The accommodation ladder was lowered to enable them to descend.

"Now, my precious ones," cried the major. "Your lives shall be saved at
all events, though it's my belief that the ship will burn to the water's
edge and go down."

Billy was too busy attending to his duty below to assist his fair
friends; indeed, he would not have been sorry to keep out of their way
had he known what was taking place.

Mrs Bubsby was the first to descend, helped by two of the crew, who
could for a moment be spared to assist her. The eldest daughter went
next, when the major descended, supporting Angelica, who, overcome by
her feelings, appeared to have fainted. When the crew offered to assist
her into the boat, he exclaimed--

"No, no, hands off, I must place her in her mother's arms," and stepped
in, not without a risk of pitching over int