14 Men, Mines, and Animals in South Africa. 



the stifling smoke, told us all too plainly that a fire 

 had broken out on board shij). The fire-bell was 

 rung, the officers and crew were beat to quarters, 

 the hose was fitted, and in a few minutes gallons 

 of water were being poured through the skylight 

 down into the after-hold, where it was discovered 

 the fire had occurred. At the same time rapid 

 preparations were made for getting the boats ready 

 for lowerinii', thouoii whether these would have 

 been of much service to us, had we had to have 

 recourse to them in such a heavy sea, was a matter 

 of serious doubt. In a quarter of an hoiu', how- 

 ever, or twent}' minutes, all danger was over. The 

 officers and creAV worked with the utmost steadi- 

 ness and resolution, the first officer particularly 

 showing extreme courage and endurance, being the 

 first to descend into the burning hold, and re- 

 maining in an almost impossible atmosphere for a 

 considerable time directing the ajDplication of the 

 water. The j^assengers preserved their composure 

 remaikably, contenting themselves with getting out 

 of the way, and ottering as little impediment as 

 possible to the operations of the ship's company. 

 The cause of the fire was not discovered to a cer- 

 tainty. In the after-hold were scattered a variety of 

 ship's stores, a quantity of empty bottles, heaps of 

 straw and shavings, the contents of opened packing- 

 cases. It was ventilated by a grating into the cabin 

 passage, and tlie captain supposed, probably with 

 justice, that some reckless and wanton passenger, 

 lighting a cigar below in violation of rigid rules, had 

 ignorantly and carelessly thrown a^vay the match 



