tood back for the harbour. They hoped to avoid the
observations of the sentries in the forts. Full directions were given
to officers in charge of each boat. The larger vessels were to be
assailed first, and two boats were to board one vessel on either quarter
at the same moment. Mr Evans had directed Denham to attack the same
vessel that he proposed boarding. There were six boats, so that three
privateers would be attacked simultaneously. Mr Evans judged, by this
means, that the enemy's attention being distracted, they would be
prevented from coming to each other's assistance. A light breeze blew
out of the harbour, which would enable them, as soon as the cables were
cut, to carry the vessels off without difficulty. Not a word was
spoken. The muffled oars sent forth no sound till the boats pulled up
before the forts. Denham's heart beat high. He knew that he should now
have an opportunity of distinguishing himself, especially under the eye
of the first lieutenant, who had hitherto always proved his friend.
Gradually, through the gloom of night, the masts and spars of the
vessels to be attacked rose up before them. Leaving the line, he
followed the boat of the first lieutenant towards a large brig which lay
moored furthest out in the harbour. They were on the point of hooking
on when shouts arose from her deck. They found that they were
discovered; but this did not hinder them from an attempt to board.
Before the Frenchmen could tell which part of the vessel they were about
to attack, they sprang up the sides of the brig, and threw themselves on
board. Part of the French crew having had no time to arm themselves,
fled before them to the fore-part of the vessel, where, however, having
rallied, they again rushed aft, and a furious hand-to-hand encounter
took place. Fitz Barry had followed Denham on board, and the young
lord, pistol in hand, was advancing by the side of his messmate. Led by
Mr Evans, the English crew dashed forward till they reached the
forecastle, where the French, apparently determined to resist to the
last, fought bravely. Once more they pushed the English hard.
Pistol-shots were rapidly exchanged, and the clash of cutlasses was
heard, echoed from the decks of the other vessels, which were now also
fiercely attacked. Some of the French crew who had gone down below now
appeared on deck fully armed, and it appeared very doubtful whether even
English courage, and English determination, woul