ly wounded. With a
fearful crash down it came on deck, inboard, killing one of the men at
the wheel, which it much damaged, and severely injuring many others,
while it encumbered the whole quarterdeck with its rigging, spars, and
sails. They could hear the crew of the French ship cheer as they saw
what had happened.

"You may `hulloo' as long as you like, mounseers, but we'll be giving
you as good before long," cried Ben; several of his shipmates echoing
his words.

They were right, for scarcely had the Frenchmen's cheers ceased, than
down also fell their mizzenmast with a tremendous crash, evidently doing
much damage. Almost immediately afterwards the mainmast followed,
though the foremast still stood, enabling her to continue the action.

The boatswain and his crew hurried to clear the wreck, while the
carpenter endeavoured to repair the damaged wheel. The two ships again
lay abreast of each other, though at a greater distance than before.
The _Wolf_, however, did not, in consequence of the accident, slacken
her fire, and she and her opponent were gradually sheering closer
together, when the latter was seen to put her helm hard a-starboard, so
as to lay the _Wolf_ on board. The order was now received from the
captain to load the maindeck guns with double shot and the carronades
with grape.

"She will strike us on the bow," observed Captain Moubray to the master,
"and as she is sure afterwards to rebound, the quarters of the two ships
will be brought together. She intends to board us. Boarders, be
prepared to repel boarders!" he shouted. At the same time the word was
passed along the decks, not again to fire until the order was received
from the captain.

The two ships drew closer and closer together, until the bows met with a
loud crash, and although the Frenchmen at the same time let fly a
broadside, the English gunners, obedient to their orders, refrained from
firing in return. As was expected, the bows rebounded from each other;
the quarters of the two ships almost immediately came together. The
quarter of the French ship was seen crowded with men, ready to spring on
board the _Wolf_.

"Now, my lads, give it them!" cried Captain Moubray, and his word was
passed along the decks.

The big guns sent their balls, and the carronades their showers of
grape, into the very midst of the Frenchmen. Fearful must have been the
effect among the crowded masses, and cries and groans resounded through
the nigh