illed and wounded; but the gun was at length brought
into position.

"Now fire, my lads!" cried the second lieutenant, who was superintending
the operation.

After the first, discharge, no sooner had the smoke cleared away, than
full twenty Frenchmen were seen stretched on the deck.

Bill had been standing near the first lieutenant. A marine had just
loaded his musket, but was knocked over before he had time to fire it.
Bill at that moment saw a French seaman run along the bowsprit with a
musket in his hand. Bill, springing forward, seized that of the marine,
and, as he did so, he observed the Frenchman taking aim at the head of
Mr Saltwell, whose eyes were turned in a different direction.

There was not a moment for deliberation. Without ceremony pushing the
lieutenant aside, he fired at the Frenchman, who, as he did so,
discharged his musket, but immediately fell overboard, the ball tearing
away the rim of Mr Saltwell's hat, but without hurting him.

The first lieutenant, turning round, perceived the way by which his life
had been saved.

"Thank you, my lad," he said, "I see how you did it, and I'll not forget
the service you have rendered me."

There was no time just then for saying more, for a party of Frenchmen
were attempting to fire a carronade on their forecastle. Before they
could succeed, the marines had picked off the greater number. Others
took their places, but every man of them was treated in the same manner.
At last the attempt to fire the gun was abandoned.

The French ship now getting a breeze, began to forge ahead. This
enabled the _Thisbe's_ crew to bring their aftermost gun on the
starboard side to bear, the first discharge from which cut away the
gammoning of the French frigate's bowsprit.

The two ships now separated, but were soon again abreast of each other
exchanging broadsides; but so rapidly did the English crew work their
guns that they managed to fire three to the Frenchman's two.

A loud cheer burst from their throats as they saw the enemy's
maintopmast go over the side. The _Thisbe_ now forged ahead clear of
her adversary, and the breeze dying away, the firing ceased on both
sides. Still the Frenchmen kept their colours flying.

The English crew were busily employed in knotting and splicing the
rigging which had been cut away, and repairing other damages.

"I hope they've had enough of it, and that the fighting is over,"
exclaimed Tom.

"Not so sure of that," said J