ing
still more discovered a large frigate standing under all sail to the
eastward, about half a mile away. If she were the one they had before
seen, she had evidently acted as Captain Martin had supposed might be
the case, and having crossed the _Thisbe's_ course, had then kept away,
hoping to get in shore of her and back to Cherbourg. At once the
_Thisbe_ was put about, and then stood so as to cross the stranger's
bows. The latter, on seeing this, hoisting French colours, rapidly
shortened sail and hauled up to the northward, the two ships crossing
each other on contrary tacks. The _Thisbe_ fired her starboard
broadside, receiving one in return, and then going about, endeavoured to
get to windward of her antagonist. This, however, she was unable to do,
and was compelled to continue the engagement to leeward. Her crew
fought with the usual courage of British seamen, but the enemy's shot
were making fearful havoc on her masts and rigging. Her three lower
masts and bowsprit were in a short time wounded in several places, most
of her stays were shot away, and much damage was done to the main
rigging.

At length her main-topsail yard was shot away in the slings by a
double-headed shot, and the yard-arms came down in front of the
mainyard, the leech ropes of the mainsail were cut to pieces and the
sail riddled. All the time, also, whenever the ships were within
musket-range, showers of bullets came rattling on board, and several of
the men were laid low.

Still Captain Martin did not attempt to escape from his opponent, which
was seen to have twenty guns on a side, besides quarter-deck guns, and a
number of men armed with muskets. He hoped, by perseverance, to knock
away her masts or inflict such other serious injury as might compel her
to give in.

This was Rayner's first action since he had attained his present rank.
He endeavoured to maintain his character, and though it was trying work
to see his shipmates struck down on either side of him, he did not for a
moment think of himself or the risk he ran of meeting the same fate.
All the time spars, rigging, and blocks were falling from aloft, shot
away by the hot fire of the enemy. He endeavoured to keep himself cool
and composed, and to execute the orders he received.

Jack and Tom were employed as powder-monkeys on the maindeck, when
Rayner was sent by the captain to ascertain what was going on. As he
went along it he passed his two friends.

Jack was as