Page:New Brunswick Magazine Issue 1.djvu/101

The scene of horror that ensued may be in part imagined. The steamer was ablaze in the middle, while the crew and passengers were madly rushing to and fro at the bow and stern. The shouts of excited men, the shrieks of helpless women and the wails or little children were mingled with the roars of terror from the imprisoned wild beasts, while the fierce crackling of the advancing flames told of the increasing peril that came with every moment. With 93 people in peril of death, the only way of escape was by two boats, capable of carrying less than a third of that number. Captain Reed, with two of the crew, lowered the small boat at the stern and got into it, in order to prepare rafts and save as many people as possible. At the same time sixteen able-bodied men lowered the large quarter boat, into which they jumped and rowed away, leaving their fellows, with the women and children, to escape as best they could. The selfish fellows kept on rowing until they reached Isle Haut, several miles distant, while many of those they had abandoned were dying amid the flames or being engulfed by the sea.

In the meantime the Royal Tar's cable was slipped. the jib and mainsail were set and the steamer endeavored to make for the nearest land. Captain Reed stood by with the boat, and as the terrified passengers began to jump overboard was able to save several lives, including those of J. T. Sherwood, British consul at Portland, and James H. Fowler of St. John.

The scene of horror increased every moment. Those on the steamer crowded still more closely to the bow and stern. Shrieks of despair and shouts for help filled the air. The roaring and screaming of the beasts and the glare of the flames suggested pandemonium let loose on the sea. The larger animals, freed from their fastenings, rushed around the deck. Six horses and