Jack, with the rest of those who had been wounded, had been sent to the
hospital. Rayner the next day obtained leave to visit him. He was
sorry for Tom, who was thus left very much to his own resources, and he
tried to find an opportunity of speaking a kind word to his former
companion; but Tom, as before, sulkily kept aloof, so that he was
compelled to leave him to himself. He was very sorry, soon after, to
see him being led along the deck by the master-at-arms. Tom looked
dreadfully downcast and frightened.
Rayner inquired what he had been doing.
"Attempting to desert, sir," was the answer. "He had got on shore and
had dressed himself in a smock-frock and carter's hat, and was making
his way out of the town."
Tom could not deny the accusation, and he was placed in irons, awaiting
his punishment, with two other men who had also run from the ship and
had been caught.
Rayner felt a sincere compassion for his old messmate, and obtained
leave to pay him a visit, anxious to ascertain if there were any
extenuating circumstances by which he might obtain a remission of his
punishment.
"What made you try to run, Fletcher?" he asked, as he found Tom and his
two companions seated in "durance vile," on the deck.
"I wanted to go back to my father and to try and persuade him to get me
made a midshipman as you are," answered Tom. "It's a shame that a
gentleman's son should be treated as I have been, and made a powder
monkey of, while you have been placed on the quarter-deck."
"I thought that you had applied to your father before, and that he had
refused to interfere," said Rayner, taking no notice of Tom's remark in
regard to himself.
"I know that, well enough; but it was my brother who answered the
letter; and, as my father is a clever man, I daresay by this time he has
become rich again, and, for very shame at having a son of his a common
ship's boy, would do as I wish. Can't you tell the captain that, and
perhaps he'll excuse me the flogging? It's very hard to be prevented
seeing my family, and to be flogged into the bargain. It's more than I
can bear, and I've a great mind to jump overboard and drown myself when
I get my wrists out of these irons."
"You'll not do that," answered Rayner, knowing very well that Tom did
not dream of putting his threat into execution; "but I'll tell the first
lieutenant what you say about your wish to see your family, though I
fear it will not influence him in recommending the captain to remit your
punishment. I would advise you, whatever happens, to submit, and to
try, by doing your duty, to gain a good name for yourself," said Rayner,
who gave him some other sound advice before he returned on deck.
Mr Saltwell shook his head when he heard what Rayner had to say.
"The captain won't forgive him, you may depend upon that, Rayner," he
answered; "desertion must be punished, were it only as a warning to
others."
Rayner, fortunately for himself, was on shore when Tom underwent his
punishment, so that he was saved the pain of seeing it inflicted.
The frigate had been surveyed, but what opinion had been formed about
her was not known for some time. At length the captain, who had gone on
shore, returned, and, mustering the ship's company, informed them that,
according to the surveyor's report, it would take some months to put her
in thorough repair, and that in the meantime he had been appointed to
the command of the store-ship _Bombay Castle_, of sixty-four guns, bound
for the Mediterranean, and he should take his officers and crew with
him. "We all of us might wish for more active service, my lads, but we
shall not be long absent, and I hope by the time we come back that we
shall find our tight little frigate as ready for any duty she may be
sent on, as you all, I am sure, will be."
A cheer was the reply to this address, and the next day the officers and
crew of the _Thisbe_ went on board their new ship. They had, however,
first to get her ready for sea, and then to receive the stores on board,
by which time several of the wounded men, including Jack Peek, had
sufficiently recovered to join her.
The _Bombay Castle_ was rolling her away across the Bay of Biscay with a
northerly breeze. She was a very different craft from the _Thisbe_, and
though more than twice her size, not nearly so comfortable. Captain
Martin had received orders to avoid an engagement, except attacked, and
then to do his best to escape, as the stores she carried were of great
value, and were much required by the fleet. Though several sail were
sighted supposed to be an enemy's squadron, she managed to escape from
them, and arrived safe at Gibraltar. Here she was joined by the _Ione_
frigate, and the two ships sailed together, expecting to fall in with
the fleet off Toulon.
The two ships lay almost becalmed in the Gulf of Lyons. Several
officers of the _Ione_, which was only a short distance off, had come on
board, when Captain Martin advised them, somewhat to their surprise, to
get back to the frigate.
"I don't quite like the look of the weather," he remarked. "I've seen
the masts of a ship whipped out of her, when not five minutes before
there was no more wind than we have at present."
The frigate's boat left the side and was seen pulling rapidly towards
her. Suddenly the cry was heard, "All hands on deck to save ship!"
Those who were below, springing up, found the ship heeling over till her
yard-arms almost touched the foaming water, which came rushing over the
deck, while the watch were engaged in letting fly tacks and sheets,
lowering topsails, clewing up, and hauling down, blocks were rattling,
sails shivering, the wind roaring, the sea leaping, hissing, and
foaming. The helm was put up, the ship righted, and away she flew
before the furious blast, not having suffered any material damage.
The _Ione_, however, could nowhere be seen. Struck by the squall, she
might either have been dismasted or have capsized. In the former case
it was very probable that she might fall into the hands of the enemy;
but, much as the captain desired it, he could not return to her
assistance.
Night came on, and the gale increased, the big ship tumbling and rolling
about almost as much as she would have done in the Atlantic, so rapidly
did the sea get up. It took some time to get everything snug, but as
the ship was at a considerable distance from the land, no great anxiety
was felt for her safety.
In the morning the master reported that by his calculation they were
about thirteen leagues south-east of Cape Saint Sebastian, on the
Spanish coast.
The wind had fallen with almost the same rapidity with which it had
risen, but there was still a good deal of sea on. It had now shifted.
The first lieutenant was officer of the watch, and was superintending
the operation of washing decks.
Rayner, and another midshipman, also with bare feet and trousers tucked
up, were paddling about, directing the men in their various duties.
Our hero had just came aft, and was addressing Mr Saltwell, when the
latter looking forward, suddenly exclaimed, "What can that smoke be?
Run and see where it comes from!"
As Rayner hurried forward he observed a thick volume of smoke rising out
of the fore-hatchway, and immediately afterwards a similar ominous cloud
ascended from the main hatchway. Before he had made a step aft to
report this he saw Mr Saltwell hastening forward.
The next moment the cry of "Fire!" was raised, and the people came
rushing up the hatchway in the midst of volumes of smoke ascending from
the orlop deck.
"Rayner, go and inform the captain what has occurred," said Mr
Saltwell, in a calm tone. "Let the drum beat to quarters!" he shouted.
The rolling sound of the drum was soon heard along the decks, and the
men, springing from all parts of the ship, hurried to their respective
stations, where they stood, ready for their orders.
Not a cry was heard. Not an expression of alarm escaped from one of the
men. Scarcely a word was spoken as they stood prepared to do their
duty.
Summoning the gunner and the boatswain, the first lieutenant ordered the
former to open the ports, to give light and air below, and the latter to
pipe up the hammocks. He then ascended to the orlop deck, made his way
first into one tier, then into another, in both of which he found the
smoke issuing exceedingly thick from forward. He was now joined by the
second lieutenant and Rayner.
"We'll just go into the sail-room and ascertain if the fire is there,"
he said.
On reaching it, there was no appearance of fire or smoke. It was thus
evident that the seat of the fire was farther forward. He and his
companions next proceeded to the hold, but the dense smoke compelled
them to beat a retreat, as their throats became affected as if from the
fumes of hot tar. A second attempt to reach the hold was equally
unsuccessful. The entire absence of heat, however, convinced them that
the fire could not be in that part of the ship, but that the smoke found
its way through the bulkheads.
They were returning on deck, when a cry was raised that the fire was
down forward.
"I alone will go!" said Mr Saltwell. "Not a life must be risked
without necessity. Remain, and render me any assistance I may require."
Having descended to the orlop deck, he was attempting to go down into
the cockpit, when several men rushed by him, crying out that the fire
was increasing. He endeavoured to retreat, but would have fallen before
he reached the deck, had not the second lieutenant and Rayner, springing
forward, assisted him up, and the next moment he sank down, apparently
lifeless.
It was some minutes before the fresh air revived him.
Two poor fellows were suffocated by the smoke rolling in dense volumes
along the lower deck, and others were rescued half dead by their
shipmates.
Some short time was of necessity lost while the captain and master and
the lieutenants were holding a consultation as to what was to be done.
In the meantime, Rayner, seeing the importance of discovering the seat
of the fire, resolved at every risk to make the attempt. Without
telling any of the officers of his intention, he called on Ben Twinch
and Jack and Tom, whom he met on his way, to accompany him, and to bring
a long rope with him. On reaching the hatchway he fastened the end
round his waist.
"Haul me up if you find it becomes slack," he said. "You'll know then
that I am not able to get on."
"Don't go, sir! don't go!" cried Jack. "It won't matter to any one if I
get choked, but so many would be sorry if anything happened to you."
"I'll tell you what it is, Mr Rayner," exclaimed Ben; "no man who
hasn't been down to the bottom of Stromboli or down Etna will be able to
live two minutes in the cockpit, and I cannot help you, sir, to throw
your life away. The ship's on fire somewhere forward, and what we've
got to do is to pump the water over it, and try and put it out. If we
can't do that, we must shut down the hatches, and see if we can't
smother it."
Rayner was not inclined to listen to this well-meant and really
judicious advice, but rushing forward, was attempting to make his way
down the ladder. Scarcely, however, had he descended three or four
steps, when the smoke filling his mouth and nostrils, he would have
fallen headlong down had not Ben and Jack hauled him up again, almost in
the same condition as Mr Saltwell had been.
"I told you so, sir," said Ben, as he carried him out of the way of the
hose, which now began to play over the spot, under the direction of Mr
Saltwell. The water, however, seemed to make no impression on the fire,
or in any way to lessen the volumes of smoke, which, on the contrary,
became thicker and thicker.
The men who were directing the hose were compelled to retire. The
carpenters had, in the meantime, been engaged in scuttling the orlop
deck, so that water might be poured down in great quantities. All their
efforts were of no avail, however.
In a short time the first lieutenant was heard issuing his orders to
cover in the hatchways, and to close the ports, so as to prevent the
circulation of air.
With a sad heart Mr Saltwell now went on deck to report to the captain
what had been done. He spoke in a low and earnest tone.
"I am afraid, Captain Martin, that we cannot hope to save the ship," he
said; "the fire may be kept under for an hour or perhaps two hours, but
if it once makes its way through the hatchways and gets to the lower
decks, there is nothing to stop it. I would strongly advise that the
boats should at once be got ready, so that as many lives as possible may
be preserved."
"Were we to do that, the people would immediately fancy that the
destruction of the ship is certain, and abandon themselves to despair,"
said the captain.
"I know our men, and can answer for their doing their duty," replied Mr
Saltwell, with confidence. "If we delay getting out the boats, we may
find it impossible to do so at last, and the lives of all on board may
be sacrificed. We can trust to the marines, and give them directions to
prevent any of the men getting into the boats until you issue the order
for them to do so."
"You are right, Saltwell; send the sergeant of marines here," said the
captain.
The sergeant quickly appeared and stood bolt upright, with his hand to
the peak of his hat, as if on parade, ready to receive any orders which
might be given.
"Call out your men, and understand that they are to load with ball and
shoot any of the seamen who get into the boats without orders."
The sergeant, saluting, faced about, as if going to perform some
ordinary routine of duty, and, quickly mustering his marines, stationed
them as directed. The first lieutenant now gave orders to the boatswain
to turn the hands up, and as soon as they appeared on deck, he shouted,
"Out boats! but understand, my lads, that not one of you is to enter
them without leave. The marines have received orders to shoot the first
man who attempts to do so, though you do not require to be told that."
The crew hastened to the tackles and falls, and with the most perfect
regularity the boats were lowered into the water when they were veered
astern and secured for towing. The helm was now put down, the yards
braced up, and the ship's head directed to the north-west, in which
direction the land lay, though not visible from the deck.
The crew knew by this that the captain and officers considered the ship
to be in great danger, and at the same time it encouraged them to
persevere in their attempts to keep the fire under. They had some hopes
also of falling in with the _Ione_ or by firing the guns to attract her
attention, should she be within hearing of them.
As the boats, however, would not carry the whole ship's company, the
captain directed the carpenter and his mates to get the booms overboard
for the purpose of constructing a raft large enough to support those
whom the boats could not carry.
As it was now evident, from the increasing volumes of smoke which
ascended through the hatchways, that the fire was working its way aft,
although the flames had not yet burst out, it became of the greatest
importance to get the powder out of the magazine. For this purpose the
second lieutenant descended with a party of men, and succeeded in
bringing up a considerable quantity, which was stowed in the stern
gallery. All the other hands, not otherwise employed, were engaged
under the different officers in heaving water down the hatchways; but
the smoke increased to such a degree that they were compelled to desist,
several who persevered falling senseless on the deck. The powder which
had been got up being hove into the sea, the captain gave the order to
drown the magazine. The difficulty of accomplishing this task was,
however, very great, and the second lieutenant and gunner, with several
of the men, were drawn up, apparently lifeless, after making the
attempt. Lieutenant Saltwell now again descended to the after cockpit,
where he found one man alone still persevering in the hazardous duty--
Ben Twinch, boatswain's mate.
"A few more buckets, and we'll do it, sir!" cried Ben; but almost
immediately afterwards he sank down exhausted.
The lieutenant, singing out for a rope, fastened it round him, though
feeling that he himself would be overpowered before the gallant seaman
could be drawn up. He succeeded, however, and once more returned to the
deck above. Still, he knew that a large quantity of powder remained
dry, and that should the fire reach the magazine, the destruction of all
on board would be inevitable. Although gasping for breath, he was about
again to descend, when a light, active figure, with a rope round his
waist, darted passed him, and he recognised Rayner. He was about to
follow, when he heard the voice of the midshipman shouting, "Haul me up,
quick!"
The next instant Rayner was drawn up, too much exhausted to speak. He
had succeeded in drowning a portion of the powder; but a quantity
remained, sufficient at any moment to blow the ship into the air.
Although no human being could exist between the decks forward, the
after-part of the lower deck remained free from smoke. In the hopes of
getting at the magazine, the carpenter was directed to cut scuttles
through the ward-room, and gun-room, so as to get down right above it.
By keeping all the doors closed, the smoke was prevented from entering,
and at length it was found that the powder could be drawn, up and hove
overboard out of the gallery windows. Several of the officers
volunteered for this dangerous duty. Rayner, notwithstanding that he
had just before escaped suffocation, again twice descended, and was each
time drawn up more dead than alive. Several hours had now gone by, and
the wind providentially holding fair, the ship was nearing the land.
Meantime, the fire was fast gaining on them, and might at any moment
triumph over all the heroic efforts of the crew to subdue it. The heat
below was intense. The first lieutenant, going forward, found that the
hatches had been blown off, as also the tarpaulins placed over the
gratings. As it was of the greatest importance to keep them on, he
directed the carpenter, with as many men as could be obtained, to
replace them, while he returned once more aft, to superintend the
operation of getting up the powder.
Although hitherto none of the men had attempted to shirk their duty,
greatly to his annoyance he saw, on looking out of the ward-room
windows, the stern ladders covered with people, who fancied that they
would there be more secure, and escape discovery.
At once bursting open a window he ordered them all up, and directed
Rayner to go and see that they made their appearance on deck. Among one
of the first who came creeping up, our hero discovered his former
messmate Tom Fletcher.
"You people have disgraced yourselves. Fletcher, I am sorry to have to
say the same to you," he exclaimed.
It was the first time he had ever openly found fault with his former
companion, but his feelings compelled him to utter the words.
Tom, and the whole of the men who had been on the ladders, sneaked away
on either side, ashamed, at all events, of being found out, and still
looking with longing eyes at the boats astern. Every now and then a
seaman was brought aft and placed under the doctor's care, but of the
number four were found to be past recovery, and it seemed doubtful
whether several others would revive.
The greater portion of the crew, under the direction of the officers,
were vieing with each other, trying to keep down the flames.
The wind shifted a point or two more in their favour. The captain
immediately ordered the hands aloft, to set the topgallant sails and
royals.
Seven anxious hours had passed, when while the men were still aloft, the
cry arose, "Land, land, on the weather bow!"
The men on deck cheered at the announcement. In a short time it could
be observed through the haze right ahead. The sight, though the land
was still five leagues distant, revived the sinking spirits of the crew,
and spurred them on to greater exertions. Still, notwithstanding all
their efforts, the fire rapidly increased. Again and again efforts were
made to clear the magazine, but the smoke as often drove the men back.
By this time the whole of the fore part of the lower deck was on fire,
but owing to the ports being closed and all circulation of air
prevented, the flames did not rise with the rapidity which would
otherwise have been the case. The fear was that, the heels of the masts
being consumed by the fire, the masts themselves might fall.
Still they stood right gallantly, carrying their widespread canvas, and
urging on the ship to the wished-for shore.
By this time all communication with the fore part of the ship was cut
off. The crew were gathered aft, still actively employed in fighting
the flames by heaving down water. But foot by foot they were driven
towards the stern.
At length the devouring element burst through all control, and rushed up
the fore-hatchway, rising triumphantly as high as the foreyard. Yet the
ship kept on her way.
The men remained firm to their duty. Now, not only from the fore, but
from the main hatchway, the flames were seen to ascend, but for some
time, the courses having been thoroughly wetted, they stood still urging
on the ship towards the land.
Time went on. The fire had commenced at seven in the morning, it was
now several hours past noon. For all that period the crew had been
fighting desperately with the fiery element for their lives. Anxiously,
with straining eyes, they gazed at the land. On either side a dark mass
of smoke ascended before them, and blew away to leeward, while the lurid
flames rose beneath it, striving furiously for victory over the masts
and spars, sails and rigging. It seemed like a miracle that the masts
should stand in the midst of the hot furnace which glowed far down the
depths of the ship. All were aware that at any moment one of several
fearful events might occur. The wind might shift and prevent the ship
reaching the land ahead, or a gale might spring up and cast the ship
helplessly upon the rocks, or a calm might come on and delay her
progress, or the masts, burnt through, might fall and crush those on
deck, or, still more dreadful, a spark might reach the magazine, and her
immediate destruction must follow.
Still the officers and crew strove on, though they well knew that no
human power could extinguish the raging flames, which with sullen roar
came nearer and nearer to where they stood.
An alarm was given that the mizenmast was on fire in the captain's
cabin, and as Rayner looked over the side, he could see the flames burst
out of the lee ports. The guns had not been loaded, but there was no
necessity to fire signals of distress. The condition of the ship could
be seen from far along the shore, and it was hoped that boats would, as
she drew near, put off to her assistance.
The master, some time before, had brought up a chart on deck, and now
pointed out to his brother officers the exact spot towards which the
ship was steering. It was the Bay of Rosas. Already the ship was
entering between two capes which formed its northern and southern sides.
The captain stood in the midst of his officers and men, gathered on
deck, for every place below was filled with smoke, and, except in the
after-part of the ship, the raging flames had gained full mastery.
His wish had been to reach the shore before any one quitted the ship; he
now saw that to do this was impossible.
"My lads," he said, "I am about to order up the boats. You have
hitherto maintained your discipline; let me see that you are ready to
obey orders to the last. And now we'll have the raft overboard, which
will carry every man who cannot be stowed in the boats, even if the
Spaniards don't come out to help us. Lower away."
It was no easy matter to perform this operation, with the fire raging
uncontrolled not many feet off, almost scorching the backs of the men
standing nearest it.
A cheer announced that it had safely reached the water, when the
carpenter and his crew, with a few additional hands, were ordered on to
it, to secure the booms on either side, so as to increase its power of
supporting a heavy weight.
Scarcely had this been done, and the launch ordered up under the stern,
than the ship struck and remained immovable, though nearly a mile from
the shore. Then the tall masts seemed to sway to and fro as if they
were about to fall, though it might only have been fancy.
The marines, who had faithfully performed their duty, were stationed on
either side, while the sick and several of the wounded were lowered into
the launch. The boys and younger midshipmen were next directed to go
down the ladder, and the other men were told off. The two yawls and
jolly-boat being hauled up, were then loaded with as many as they could
carry.
"May I stay by you, sir?" asked Rayner of Mr Saltwell.
"No, Rayner," answered the first lieutenant; "you have done your duty
well this day, and I cannot allow you to risk your life by remaining a
moment longer than is necessary. We cannot tell when the ship may blow
up. It may be before the captain and I quit her. I order you to go."
Rayner obeyed and descended into one of the yawls. Looking towards the
shore he saw several boats coming off. He pointed them out to the
officer in command of the launch. "Tell them to come under the stern of
the ship and take off the remainder of the crew," said the lieutenant.
While the yawl was pulling towards the Spanish boats, he looked round to
the ship. Already it appeared as if the flames were rushing from every
port, while they were rising higher and higher, forming a vast pyramid
of fire, as circling round and round the masts they caught hold of the
canvas and rigging, and seized the spars in their embrace.
He urged the crew to pull with all their strength, that they might the
sooner return to the assistance of their friends. The Spanish boats
were reached, but in vain he endeavoured to persuade their crews to come
near the burning ship. They were ready enough to receive on board the
people in the yawl, but not to risk their lives by approaching her.
One of the officers could speak a little Spanish, and Rayner tried his
French upon them, endeavouring to persuade them, and at length
threatening condign punishment if they refused. But nothing that could
be said had any effect. Time was precious, so, putting the men from the
crowded yawl into one of the boats, Rayner, who took charge of her,
urging the men to pull with all their might steered back for the ship.
From the position in which the boat was, between her head and the shore,
she appeared already to be one mass of flame. It seemed impossible
indeed that any human being could still be alive on board. Pulling
round, however, so as to approach the stern, Rayner saw that the after
portion still remained free from flame, though the crew, as if they knew
that there was no time to be lost, were not only descending the ladders,
but sliding rapidly down the ropes hanging over the taffrail on to the
raft. They had good reason for doing so, for he could see the ruddy
light even through the stern windows, and from every port, except the
extreme after ones, the flames were rushing out.
Three figures alone stood on the poop; they were those of the captain,
the first lieutenant, and master, who had maintained their perilous
position until every living man was out of the ship.
Remembering the remark Mr Saltwell had made just before he had quitted
the ship, Rayner again urged on his well-nigh exhausted crew to pull up
and rescue their brave officers. The raft was crowded with men. The
shout rose, "Shove off! shove off!" and with broken spars and pieces of
board, those on it were endeavouring to make their way to a distance
from the side of the ship.
Rayner steered his boat under the stern. The master was the first to
descend, Mr Saltwell came next, and the captain was the last to leave
her.
"Pull away, Rayner," he said, in a calm voice. "We have reason to be
thankful to Providence that she has not blown up yet, for at any moment
the fire may reach the magazine, and there is still powder enough, I
understand, to send the fragments far around."
The first yawl having received on board several people from the land,
took the raft in tow. In a short time the other boats returned, having
placed the people they carried in the Spanish boats, several of which
also arrived, though they lost not a moment in pulling again towards the
shore, as far as they could from the burning ship.
The captain directed Rayner to keep astern of the other boats. His eye
rested on his ship as if he desired to see her as long as she existed.
The moment of her destruction came at last. The rest of the crew having
landed, the yawl was nearing the shore, when a loud roar was heard as if
a whole broadside had been fired. The flames rose high in the air; the
masts shot upwards surrounded by burning fragments of planks and
timbers; the stout sides, rent asunder, rushed outwards, and in another
minute a few blackened fragments of the gallant ship, which had that
morning floated trim and proudly on the ocean, were alone visible.
Captain Martin looked sad and grave as he stepped on shore; but he felt
that he, as well as his officers, had done their duty, and had made
every possible effort to preserve the ship. Neither he nor they could
discover the cause of the fire.
Fortunately, England had not then declared war against Spain, and the
authorities received the British officers and men in a friendly manner,
while many of the inhabitants of the neighbouring town vied with each
other in rendering them all the service in their power.