the staircase, and rushed into the cabin. In the
furthest corner knelt Emily, her hands clasped, and her face like that
of an angel.

Gertrude and Mr. Phillips were by her side in an instant. He stooped to
lift her in his arms, Gertrude at the same time exclaiming, "Come,
Emily, come! He will save us!" But Emily resisted. "Leave me,
Gertrude--leave me, and save yourselves! Oh!" said she, imploringly,
"leave me, and save my child." But ere the words had left her lips she
was borne half way across the saloon; Gertrude followed closely.

"If we can cross to the bows of the boat we are safe!" said Mr.
Phillips, in a husky voice.

To do so, however, proved impossible. The centre of the boat was now one
sheet of flame. "Good heavens!" exclaimed he, "we are too late! we must
go back!"

With much difficulty they regained the saloon. The boat, as soon as the
fire was discovered, had been turned towards the shore, struck upon the
rocks, and parted in the middle. Her bows were brought near to the land,
near enough to almost ensure the safety of such persons as were at the
top part of the vessel. But, alas for those near the stern!

Mr. Phillips' first thought was to beat down a window-sash, spring upon
the guards, and drag Emily and Gertrude after him. Some ropes hung upon
the guards; he seized one and made it fast to the boat; then turned to
Gertrude, who stood firm by his side. "Gertrude," said he, "I shall swim
to the shore with Emily. If the fire comes too near, cling to the
guards; as a last chance hold on to the rope. Keep your veil flying; I
shall return."

"No, no!" cried Emily. "Gertrude, go first."

"Hush, Emily!" exclaimed Gertrude; "we shall both be saved."

"Cling to my shoulder in the water, Emily," said Mr. Phillips, utterly
regardless of her protestations. He took her once more in his arms;
there was a splash, and they were gone. At the same instant Gertrude was
seized from behind. She turned and found herself grasped by Isabel
Clinton, who, kneeling upon the platform, and frantic with terror, was
clinging so closely to her as utterly to disable them both; she shrieked
out, "Oh, Gertrude! Gertrude! save me!" But Gertrude thus imprisoned,
she was powerless to do anything for her own or Isabel's salvation. She
looked forth in the direction Mr. Phillips had taken, and, to her joy,
she saw him returning. He had deposited Emily on board a boat, and was
now approaching to claim another burden. A volume of flame