d in the destruction of one of them. Each sail
was well set, every yard perfectly braced, and all the ropes taut and
uninjured. Thus they stood on, slowly nearing each other, till at
length the Frenchman attempted to haul across the _Cynthia's_ bows, for
the purpose of delivering a raking fire. This the latter avoided by
hauling up.

"Fire," cried the captain, as the broadside of the frigate bore upon
that of the enemy. A loud roar of artillery was the response. Several
shots seemed to take effect, some in the hull, others in the rigging.
The _Cynthia_ herself did not escape injury, and two of her crew were
seen struggling in their death agonies on the deck. The two frigates
now ran on side by side, firing their guns as rapidly as they could be
loaded. Again a shout burst from the throats of the English crew, as
the Frenchman's fore-topmast was seen to go over the side. It was
evident, too, that their shots were taking effect upon the Frenchman's
hull, for several were seen to strike him between wind and water, which
with the sea then running was very likely in a short time to reduce him
into a sinking state. Still the latter worked his guns with as much
determination as at first, aided by musketry whenever the ships
approached near enough for the bullets to take effect. By this means a
considerable number of the crew of the English frigate were struck down,
many of whom were killed, while others were carried bleeding below.

The superior strength and activity of the English seamen soon told
against that of the enemy, for while the latter was delivering two
broadsides the English managed to fire three, their shot, too, being
better directed. Still the French ensign flew out at the enemy's peak,
and there appeared to be no intention on his part of lowering it. The
contest was evidently to be a severe and protracted one. The _Cynthia_
had already lost nearly thirty of her crew, and in all probability the
Frenchman must have suffered in a far greater degree. At length they
drew so close that the muzzles of their guns almost touched, when the
enemy, putting down his helm, ran his bows into those of the British
ship, the bowsprit coming directly across the foremast. Captain
Falkner, calling to Denham and those who were near him at the time,
sprang forward and attempted to lash the bowsprit to the mast of his own
ship. Denham saw his faithful follower, Ned Davis, by his side. While
the captain was in the act