284 
DEPARTURE FROM JAVA. 
pouring up in volumes from below, but coming from no determi- 
nate point. In this frightful predicament the self-possession of Cap- 
tain Maxwell and his officers, and the promptness and courage of 
the Alceste’s crew, saved us from destruction. Captain Maxwell, 
called from his cabin by the noise, instantly pointed out the duty of 
each person. Lines were formed from the ship’s sides for handing 
buckets, and water was speedily at hand. “ Where is the fire?” 
asked Captain Maxwell of the mate of the vessel. “ In the spirit- 
room,” was the whispered reply. “ Mr. Holman*, ascertain the part 
of the deck which is over the fire, and let the carpenter be in 
readiness to scuttle it.” Mr. Holman disappeared for a minute, 
returned, and placing his foot on the plank, exclaimed, “ Here’s 
the fire.” In an instant the plank was cut away, and the fire seen 
raging beneath. Water was poured down in torrents, and in a few 
minutes the glad intelligence, “ The fire is out !” was heard in the 
convincing tones of Captain Maxwell. 
This danger past, we arrived safely in Simon’s Bay at the Cape 
of Good Hope, on the evening of the 27tli of May. 
* The gunner of the Alceste, not more remarkable for his coolness and courage in the 
midst of danger, than for his intelligent and manly conduct in all his relations as an 
officer. This tribute of praise springs less from the opinion of an individual unqualified 
to judge his merits as a seaman, than from the universal testimony of his shipmates who 
delight to tell of the merits of the gunner. 
