FOR, three months later, August 8, while I was writing one of theseforegoing chapters, the New York papers brought this telegram--A TERRIBLE DISASTER.

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

'NASHVILLE, Aug. 7.--A despatch from Hickman, Ky., says--'The steamer "Gold Dust" exploded her boilers atthree 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 weretaken ashore and removed to the hotels and residences.

Twenty-four of the injured were lying in Holcomb's dry-goodsstore at one time, w............