Two of the boats were loaded and sent to the shore, which was less than half a mile distant.
When these returned, the captain considered it no longer safe to stay aboard.
All hands tumbled into the boats and pushed off.
By the time they reached the shore the vessel was entirely enveloped in a pillar of flame, and though the sight was a truly grand one, the sailors did not relish it to any great degree.
"Well, boys," said the captain, sadly, "I have got enough money to pay you what wages are coming to you. I might as well do it right here, as we will never go aboard the good Mary Newman again."
He proceeded to count out the money, and each man was called up in his turn.
Van received seventeen dollars and fifty cents for the time he put in aboard the ship.
"Now, then," observed the captain, when all had been paid off, "I propose that we get in the boats and row up the river to a little town called Sonhow."
"To-night?" asked the mate.
"Yes; right away."