The 'Gold Dust's' End

FOR, three months later, August 8, while I was writing one of these foregoing chapters, the New York papers brought this telegram—

For three months later, on August 8, I was writing one of the preceding chapters. The New York papers brought this telegram:

A TERRIBLE DISASTER.

A TERRIBLE DISASTER.

SEVENTEEN PERSONS KILLED BY AN EXPLOSION ON THE STEAMER 'GOLD DUST.'

SEVENTEEN PEOPLE KILLED IN AN EXPLOSION ON THE STEAMBOAT 'GOLD DUST.'

'NASHVILLE, Aug. 7.—A despatch from Hickman, Ky., says—

'NASHVILLE, Aug. 7. A report from Hickman, Ky., says:

'The steamer “Gold Dust” exploded her boilers at three o'clock to-day, just after leaving Hickman. Forty-seven persons were scalded and seventeen are missing. The boat was landed in the eddy just above the town, and through the exertions of the citizens the cabin passengers, officers, and part of the crew and deck passengers were taken ashore and removed to the hotels and residences. Twenty-four of the injured were lying in Holcomb's dry-goods store at one time, where they received every attention before being removed to more comfortable places.'

'The steamer “Gold Dust” exploded its boilers at three o'clock today, just after leaving Hickman. Forty-seven people were scalded, and seventeen are missing. The boat was brought to shore in the eddy just above the town. Local residents helped bring the cabin passengers, officers, and some of the crew and deck passengers ashore. They were taken to hotels and homes. At one point, twenty-four of the injured were lying in Holcomb's dry-goods store. They received every attention there before being moved to more comfortable places.'

A list of the names followed, whereby it appeared that of the seventeen dead, one was the barkeeper; and among the forty-seven wounded, were the captain, chief mate, second mate, and second and third clerks; also Mr. Lem S. Gray, pilot, and several members of the crew.

A list of names followed. It showed that the barkeeper was among the seventeen dead. The forty-seven wounded included the captain, chief mate, second mate, and second and third clerks. Mr. Lem S. Gray, the pilot, and several crew members were also wounded.

In answer to a private telegram, we learned that none of these was severely hurt, except Mr. Gray. Letters received afterward confirmed this news, and said that Mr. Gray was improving and would get well. Later letters spoke less hopefully of his case; and finally came one announcing his death. A good man, a most companionable and manly man, and worthy of a kindlier fate.

In reply to a private telegram, we learned that none of them was seriously hurt except Mr. Gray. Letters received afterward confirmed this news. They said that Mr. Gray was improving and would recover. Later letters were less hopeful about his condition. Finally, a letter came announcing his death. He was a good man, a most companionable and manly man, and deserving of a kinder fate.