THE SHIP ON FIEE! 



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of the ship, forming a wall of fire as high as the paddle-boxes, cutting off all communication. 

 One or two of the sailors, indeed, managed to get across the paddle-boxes, cautiously creeping 

 up one side and sliding down the other, but all other means of access were effectually de- 

 barred. It was the sole chance of safety, for the boats were all in the after part of the 

 ship. " It would be needless here to tell of the screams and shrieks of the horror-stricken 

 passengers, mixed with the cries of the animals aboard; of the wild anguish with which 

 they saw before them only the choice of death almost equally dreadful the raging flame 



AMAZON STEAM-SHIP. 



or the raging sea, and of those fearful moments when all self-control, all presence of 

 mind, appeared to be lost, and no authority was recognised, no command obeyed." Mean- 

 while the ominous fire-bell was ringing the knell of many a poor man and woman that night. 

 When Captain Symons rushed on deck, his first order was to " put up the helm," 

 which was instantly obeyed. The helmsman, assisted by Mr. Treweeke, the gallant second 

 officer, worked at the wheel till the vessel " paid off " and turned so as to go before the 

 wind. The effects of the wind were, by this device, somewhat moderated, but it had 

 almost advanced to a gale, and the paddles were revolving rapidly, carrying the doomed 

 vessel through the water with headlong speed. The flames were driven, however, forward 

 and away from the passengers and greater number of those on board. To this movement, 

 in fact, is to be attributed the preservation of the few boats which, as we shall see, suc- 

 ceeded in leaving the ship. To extinguish the fire was now out of question; while it 

 was equally impossible to shut off the steam and stop the vessel's way. Yet, without this 

 being done, no boat could be launched into the water while the vessel was driving on at 

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