up
with a sudden crash which sent her tottering mainmast over the side.

The French advanced cautiously until nearing the reefs, and then opened
a distant fire, which the Resolution did not return. The captain ordered
the exhausted crew from their guns, a strong allowance of grog was
served out, and after a meal the men felt again ready for work. Jack
and his companion were at dinner with the captain, when the officer in
charge of the deck reported that the French ships were lowering their
boats.

"Let the men rest as long as possible, Mr. Darwin, but when you see the
boats fairly on their way toward us beat to quarters."

A few minutes later the roll of the drums was heard. "Now, gentlemen, we
will go on deck," the captain said, "since they will not let us alone.
But if their ships could not take us I do not think that their boats
will have much chance."

Dusk was closing in when they went on deck and saw all the boats of the
six French men of war, crowded with men, rowing in a line toward them.
The captain gave the order for the men to load with grape. As soon as
the French flotilla came well within range the word was given, and a
storm of balls swept their line.

Several of the boats were sunk at once, the others paused to pick up
their comrades from the water, and then again dashed forward; but by
this time the guns were again loaded, and the hail of iron again crashed
into them. With splendid bravery the French still advanced until close
to the ship. Then Captain Mordaunt ordered all the lower deck guns to
be run in and the ports closed, and the crew to come on deck. While some
worked the upper guns, others kept up a heavy fire of musketry upon the
boats, which swarmed round the ship.

Again and again the French made determined efforts to board, but they
were unable to climb the lofty sides of the ship. At length, after
suffering terrible loss, the French sailors gave up the attempt and
rowed sullenly off to their ships, covered by the darkness from the
English fire. Captain Mordaunt took off his cap and gave the signal,
and a hearty cheer arose from the crew. The night passed quietly,
the terribly diminished crew lay down as they stood by the guns, in
readiness to repel another attack, should it be attempted. The next
morning one of the French eighty gun ships got under way, and, with
merely a rag of canvas shown, and her boats rowing ahead and sounding
to find a channel through the reefs, gradually made he