Then the momentary hush was invaded by the sound of many voices, some
of which were uttering groans and cries of pain. A score of fortunates
from the burned packet, who had been driven by the flames to the
extreme after-end of the boat, where they were hidden from the view of
those on the raft, had leaped into the water as they were swept past,
and managed to reach it while Billy Brackett and Winn were away.
Now, by means of the skiff, others whose cries for help located them in
the darkness were picked up. Many persons had escaped soon after the
breaking out of the fire by means of the small boats and life-raft
carried by the packet; while still others, comprising nearly half the
ship's company, were lost. It was one the most terrible of the many
similar disasters recorded in the history of steamboating on the
Mississippi; and to this day the burning of the _Lytle_ is a favorite
theme of conversation among old river men.
When Glen Elting learned the name of the ill-fated craft, he started
and turned pale. "The very packet for which we were waiting!" he
cried, with bated breath. "Oh, Binney, how many things we have to be
thankful for!"
"Indeed we have," answered the boy; "and not the least of them is that
we are in a position to help these poor people, who have been overtaken
by the misfortune that was reaching out for us.
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