ion; for the scene of quiet enjoyment which the deck had
presented the moment before was changed to one of utter confusion, the
shrieks of frightened women and hoarse cries of some of the men mingling
with the screams of children and the noise of escaping steam, roaring up
the funnel.

Captain Dresser had hastened forwards to the forecastle of the ill-fated
vessel to see with his own eyes what had happened as soon as the steamer
struck, being immediately followed by Dick and Bob, who left Nellie
clinging to her aunt in great consternation.

As for the skipper of the poor steamer, he seemed to have lost his head
completely, for he was shouting out orders one moment from the bridge
and contradicting them the next: while the crew were rushing about the
decks aimlessly, one going here and another there, without apparent end
or purpose, every one looking bewildered from the want of proper
leadership.

"Keep calm, ladies!" the skipper sang out at intervals between his
orders to the seamen and firemen, whom the incessant sounding of the
engine-room gong had brought up from below. "Keep cool; there's no
danger, I tell you!"

He himself, however, appeared so perturbed, that his assurances
increased, instead of lessened, the panic amongst the passengers, who
huddled together in groups like startled sheep; and Nell clasped her
aunt's hand tightly, the two awaiting in great anxiety Captain Dresser's
return from his inspection of the vessel forwards.

They were not long kept in suspense.

After a brief interview, which seemed an eternity, the old sailor re-
appeared aft.

His face looked very grave.

"I'm sorry for the old _Bembridge Belle_" he said in a low tone to Mrs
Gilmour, so as not to be overheard by the other passengers standing
near. "The poor thing has a large hole knocked through her fore
compartment, and is filling with water fast!"

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

THE "GOOD SARAH'S" FORGET-ME-NOTS.

"Tell me, is there any danger?" asked Mrs Gilmour, speaking quite
calmly, in spite of her fears; for, although of a somewhat hasty
disposition and apt to be put out at trifles, she was possessed of a
strong, natural courage, which, as is the case with most of the so-
called "tender sex," only displayed itself in great emergencies. "You
may disclose the worst. I can bear it!"

"Pooh!" grunted the Captain off-hand, rather impolitely. "There's no
`worst' to tell, ma'am. All on board are quite safe, and will be put