Fortunately the passengers were mostly soldiers, accustomed to scenes of
horror, who immediately turned their attention to the extinguishing of
the flames. The Flatfoot, No. 3, approached within a short distance of
the wreck, and a line was passed from her to the bow of the Chalmetta.
Her passengers and crew were humanely assisting in rescuing those who
had jumped or been thrown overboard in the disaster.
By the aid of a fire-engine on board of the Flatfoot, which had
approached near enough to render it available, the flames were
extinguished. It was ascertained that the Chalmetta had received no
serious damage in her hull; and as all the survivors had been picked up,
the Flatfoot took her in tow, and proceeded up the river.
Emily had been stunned by the explosion, and ere she could recover,
Vernon, with a strong arm, bore her to the main deck. The boat was
lowered into the water, and, before the passengers, or the petrified
watch in the hold, could regain their self-possession, it was impelled
by the strong arm of Vernon, and the ruffian who had been hired for the
purpose, far astern of the wreck.
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