Accidents > Dangers of the deep, or, Narratives of shipwreck and adventure at sea

292 BURNING OP THE PRINCE,
had the keys of the hold, .immediately ordered
every hatchway to be opened to ascertain
the truth.
But the fact was too soon verified, and,
while the captain hastened on deck from the
great cabin where he sat at dinner, Lieutenant
de la Fond ordered some sails to be dipped
in the sea, and the hatches to be covered
with them in order to prevent the access of
air, and thus stifle the fire. He had even in¬
tended, as a more effectual measure, to let in
the water between decks to the depth of a
foot, but clouds of smoke issued from the
crevices of the hatchways, and the flames
gained more and more by degrees.
Meantime, the captain ordered sixty or
eighty soldiers under arms, to restrain any
disorder and confusion which might probably
ensue ; and in this he was supported by their
commander, M. de la Touche, who exhibited
uncommon fortitude on the occasion.
Every one was now employed in procuring
water; all the buckets were filled, the pumps
plied, and pipes introduced from them to
the hold. But the rapid progress of the
flames baffled the exertions to subdue them,
and augmented the general consternation.