ashing on
board and sending the splinters flying about in all directions, killing
or wounding several near him--the colour in his cheeks somewhat
heightened, perhaps--attending to his duty and cheering on his men, and
when the captain of a gun was killed, taking his place and laying hold
of the tackles to haul it in for reloading.

For some time the two frigates ran off before the wind; as tacks and
sheets and yards were shot away, gradually decreasing their speed. In
consequence of the injuries the French frigate had received, the _Wolf_
shot slightly ahead, when the former attempted to cross her stern, for
the purpose of raking her, or gaining the wind, but not having room for
this manoeuvre, she ran her jib-boom between the British ship's main and
mizzen rigging.

The third lieutenant, calling several of the men, attempted to lash it
there, while the _Wolf_ poured in a fire which swept across the
Frenchman's bows, but half those engaged in the effort, while hanging in
the rigging, were shot, and the lieutenant himself fell badly wounded to
the deck. Immediately afterwards the ships separated and stood on as
before, exchanging furious broadsides. Dick saw Ben still working away
at his grin, as eager as the rest of the crew, having evidently
forgotten all about his gloomy anticipations of losing the number of his
mess.

For upwards of two hours the ships had been engaged, and no perceptible
advantage had been gained by either. At length the _Wolf_ again forged
ahead. Captain Moubray did not neglect the much-wished-for opportunity,
but ordered the helm to be put hard a-starboard, and, while thus passing
across the hawse of the French frigate, poured in a broadside which
swept her decks fore and aft, killing and wounding many of her crew, and
inflicting serious damage on her masts and rigging. Again the _Wolf's_
helm was put hard a-port, which brought the enemy a little before her
starboard beam, when again the ships ran on with the wind about a point
on the starboard quarter. Still it remained doubtful which would gain
the victory. The British officers and crew had, however, made up their
minds not to give in while a stick was standing; but the most
indomitable bravery cannot always overcome the chances of war.

While Captain Moubray, with the master by his side, was eagerly watching
every movement of his antagonist, to take advantage of what might occur,
a shot from her struck the mizzenmast, already severe