One dense fog of steam filled every part of the vessel, while shrieks, groans, and cries were heard on every side.

Men were running hither and thither looking for their wives, and women were flying about in the wildest confusion seeking for their husbands.

Dismay appeared on every countenance.
The saloons and cabins soon looked more like hospitals than anything else; but by this time the Patriot had drifted to the shore, and the other steamer had come alongside to render assistance to the disabled boat.

The killed and wounded (nineteen in number) were put on shore, and the Patriot, taken in tow by the Washington, was once more on her journey.
It was half-past twelve, and the passengers, instead of retiring to their berths, once more assembled at the gambling-tables.

The practice of gambling on the western waters has long been a source of annoyance to the more moral persons who travel on our great rivers.