"
Ludlow reluctantly, but firmly, gave the order to bear the wounded to the
boats. This was an arduous and delicate duty. The smallest boy in the ship
knew the whole extent of the danger, and that a moment, by the explosion
of the powder, might precipitate them all into eternity. The deck forward
was getting too hot to be endured, and there were places even in which the
beams had given symptoms of yielding.
But the poop, elevated still above the fire, offered a momentary refuge.
Thither all retired, while the weak and wounded were lowered, with the
caution circumstances would permit, into the whale-boats of the smugglers.
Ludlow stood at one ladder and the free-trader at the other, in order to
be certain that none proved recreant in so trying a moment. Near them were
Alida, Seadrift, and the Alderman, with the attendants of the former.
It seemed an age, before this humane and tender duty was performed. At
length the cry of "all in!" was uttered, in a manner to betray the extent
of the self-command that had been necessary to effect it.
"Now, Alida, we may think of thee!" said Ludlow, turning to the spot
occupied by the silent heiress.
"And you!" she said, hesitating to move.
"Duty demands that I should be the last--"
A sharp explosion beneath, and fragments of fire flying upwards through a
hatch, interrupted his words. Plunges into the sea, and a rush of the
people to the boats, followed.
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