Cries and shrieks for help came up from the cruel depths, and white, upturned faces looked piteously toward the sinking hulk, as if imploring even the brief respite from a horrible death which it could afford.

Boxes, spars, and anything that was at hand, were cast over to them, and several succeeded in reaching and clinging to them, while others went down to their watery grave before the eyes of that watching, agonized group on the burning vessel, who almost forgot their own impending fate in the sufferings of their comrades. Suddenly a shout rent the air.

23The captain hastened forward to see what it meant, and saw one of the sailors in the water on the other side of the vessel struggling with a boat.

23

The noble man had espied it at some distance from the ship, and knew that it was one which had been blown overboard. It might be injured so that it would not be safe, but it appeared to ride the waters all right, and he resolved to swim to it and thus save if possible the captain and crew.

He had nearly reached the steamer’s side with his trophy, when the other sailors discovered him and sent that triumphant shout.

“Throw a rope!” shouted the captain, new hope springing in his heart.

It was thrown with a will; the man caught it, and suspending his own labors, he and the boat were drawn safely to the ship’s side.

Nimbly then the faithful crew sprang to obey their commander’s orders. A liberal supply of provision and water was put into the boat, with plenty of rugs and what clothing was at hand; the required number of oars were brought, and in a few minutes all that remained alive on that ill-fated ship were safely seated within it.

Then they set to work to save those who were still struggling in the water. Ten were all that they could rescue, the rest went down; and now began the battle for life.

They pulled rapidly away from the sinking steamer, lest they should share the fate of those who had just been swamped, and the wisdom of this was manifest in lest than half an hour, for, with another mighty lurch and plunge, which sent forth volumes of smoke and flame, the noble craft went down and the dark waters swept over it, obliterating it forever from the view of man; while the captain, with a groan of pain, covered his eyes and wept.

24It was as if he had 

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