r was full of doleful sounds--the groans of agony
from the wounded and the dying, screams of despair from the horrified
survivors, wails of lamentation from the suddenly bereaved, dismal
howlings of dogs, and terrified cries of other animals.

In two or three minutes the clouds of dust fell to the ground, and
disclosed the scene of desolation which a few seconds had wrought. The
ruin, though general, was not universal. A considerable number of houses
were left standing--fortunately tenantless--for a third great earth-wave
traversed the city, and most of the buildings which had withstood the
previous shocks, already severely shaken, were entirely overthrown.

WATER ADDS TO THE DESTRUCTION

The last disaster filled the surviving citizens with the impulse of
flight. The more fortunate of them ran in the direction of the open
country, and succeeded in saving their lives; but a great multitude
rushed down to the harbor, thinking to escape by sea. Here, however,
they were met by a new and unexpected peril. The tide, after first
retreating for a little, came rolling in with an immense wave, about
fifty feet in height, carrying with it ships, barges and boats, and
dashing them in dire confusion upon the crowded shore. Overwhelmed
by this huge wave, great numbers were, on its retreat, swept into the
seething waters and drowned. A vast throng took refuge on a fine new
marble quay, but recently completed, which had cost much labor and
expense. This the sea-wave had spared, sweeping harmless by. But, alas!
it was only for a moment. The vast structure itself, with the whole of
its living burden, sank instantaneously into an awful chasm which opened
underneath. The mole and all who were on it, the boats and barges moored
to its sides, all of them filled with people, were in a moment ingulfed.
Not a single corpse, not a shred of raiment, not a plank nor a splinter
floated to the surface, and a hundred fathoms of water covered the
spot. To the first great sea-wave several others succeeded, and the bay
continued for a long time in a state of tumultuous agitation.

About two hours after the first overthrow of the buildings, a new
element of destruction came into play. The fires in the ruined houses
kindled the timbers, and a mighty conflagration, urged by a violent
wind, soon raged among the ruins, consuming everything combustible, and
completing the wreck of the city. This fire, which lasted four days, was
not altogether a misfor