The firemen showed amazing intrepidity and zeal.

They managed their tall fire-escapes with automatic precision, and climbed as high as thirty storeys to rescue the luckless inhabitants from the flames.

The soldiers performed their duties with spirit, and were given a double ration of coffee.

But these fresh casualties started a panic.

Millions of people, who wanted to take their money with them and leave the town at once, crowded the great banking houses.