when a party of the
French crew, who had already yielded, led by the boatswain, a big,
sturdy fellow, whose cutlass had already brought two of the English
seamen to the deck, suddenly attacked him, hoping to regain the ship.
The sailors had enough to do to defend themselves, and the big boatswain
was making a desperate blow at the lieutenant's head, when Bill, who
thought it a time to use his pistol with effect, fired, and the
boatswain fell, his cutlass dropping from his hand. His followers on
this sprang back, and, throwing down their weapons, cried for mercy.

"I saw you do it, my lad," said the lieutenant. "The second time you
have saved my life. I'll not forget it."

The English sailors now had work enough to do to prevent the Frenchmen
from rising. While sail was being made, numerous boats also were seen
coming off from the shore full of armed men, evidently with the
intention of attempting to board the prize. Sail after sail was let
drop, and the ship ran faster and faster through the water. She was
not, however, as yet entirely won. Her crew, though beaten down below,
were still very numerous, and might, should they find the boats of their
friends coming alongside, at any moment rise and try to regain her. The
fort also had to be passed, and the garrison were sure to have heard the
uproar and would open fire as soon as she got within range of their
guns.

Notwithstanding this, the British seamen performed their various duties
as steadily as if they were on board their own ship. Some were aloft,
loosing sails; others ran out the guns, ready to give the boats a warm
reception, and others kept an eye on the prisoners.

The breeze freshened, and the prize in a short time reached the mouth of
the harbour. No sooner had she done so than the guns from the fort, as
had been expected, opened fire, and their shot, thick as hail, came
crashing on board. Several men were struck, and the sails shot through
and through. None of the yards, however, were carried away, and the
canvas stood filled out with the breeze.

A number of prisoners had remained on deck, with sentries over them, as
the shot struck the ship. Several, to avoid it, endeavoured to escape
below. Some succeeded, not waiting to descend by the ladders, but
leaping down, to the no small risk of breaking their arms and legs.
There was still more sail to be set, and Bill was pulling and hauling,
when he saw a shot come plump in among a party of p