d ever seen it there. There had been no powder observed in
any part of the vessel to which the common sailors had access; none
since the cargo was delivered to King Dingo. It must then be in the
store-room, or in the captain's own state-room? in either case
contiguous to the flames--in either case close to where I was standing!

The thought roused my senses from the state of stupefaction into which
they had fallen. The idea of self-preservation gave me new energies;
and I lost no time in hastening away from the spot. It was a mere
instinct to place myself as far from the danger as I could. I sprang
from the poop and ran forward upon the main-deck.

I was now at a loss as to how I should act. My first impulse had been
to rush forward among the men and proclaim the intelligence communicated
by the captain. I was on the point of doing so, when some good angel
seemed to whisper "prudence."

I was always considered a boy of "quick-parts," and the life I had been
lately leading had wonderfully sharpened my intellect. Just then it
occurred to me, if I divulged the terrible secret it could do no good,
but on the contrary, might beget great mischief. I saw that the sailors
were exerting all their strength to get out the boat, and were making
what haste they could. No power on earth could have caused them to go
faster. The dread of the flames, now beginning to flow through the
cabin-windows, was stimulus enough. Any additional dread would only
paralyse them. I determined, therefore, to keep the fearful knowledge
within my own breast. I thought of imparting it only to Ben, and for
him I now went in search.

I soon discovered him. He was among a crowd up over the davits, working
with all his might. I could not get near him, and of course could not
communicate with him without being overheard by the others. I therefore
resolved to remain sole possessor of the dread secret till a better
opportunity offered itself.

I set to work with the rest, heaving and hauling; but, amidst all I had
but one thought. I scarce knew what was going on, or what I was myself
doing. I was every moment in expectation of that loud report--that
horrible explosion that would fling us all into eternity! I worked
mechanically and often wrong; once or twice I caught myself hauling the
wrong way. Some of them noticed this and rudely kicked me aside. Oh!
the keen apprehension!

The boat was at length cleared of the bulwarks and swung o