enemy having boarded and almost overcome her crew, who, however,
though many of their number had fallen, were still struggling manfully.
They cheered as they discovered the timely assistance which had arrived.

Mr Jager and his party furiously attacking the enemy, soon turned the
tide of war and drove them back to the starboard bulwarks, where the
bravest in vain attempted to defend themselves. Those who could manage
it leapt back on board their own vessel, others making the attempt were
cut down, and not a man of the remainder escaped, all being killed or
desperately wounded by the onslaught of the _Wolf's_ crew.

The Frenchmen were in the mean time attempting to cast off the grappling
irons, but in the darkness and confusion they were unable to succeed.

"Follow me, my lads! We must board the enemy. It will not do to let
her get away," cried the lieutenant.

Dick, who was near him, with Ben Rudall and several other men, sprang
into the main rigging of the privateer, for such she appeared to be, and
clearing a space before them with their whirling cutlasses, leapt down
on her deck. Others came after them. One party following Mr Jager,
drove the enemy forward, where the larger part of them were assembled;
while Lord Reginald and the boatswain attacked those on the
quarter-deck, compelling them inch by inch to give way, until the poop
was gained.

The struggle did not last long. Cries for quarter were heard from the
people forward as well as from the after part of the ship, but the crew
of the English merchant vessel seemed little disposed to grant it, and
continued hacking away at every Frenchman they could come up with.
Again and again Mr Jager had to order the combatants to desist, and
shouted to the Frenchmen to throw down their weapons.

"Hold, my men! Don't you see the enemy have given in?" he exclaimed.
"We are bound to show them mercy, as they ask for it."

"It's mighty little we can see how to know friend from enemy," cried a
voice from among the seamen.

"Bring a lantern or two along here," cried the lieutenant, and he called
out to the Frenchmen to throw down their weapons, while he peremptorily
ordered his own men to desist from striking.

Lord Reginald and the boatswain had in the mean time driven their
opponents, the larger number of whom were officers of the ship, right
aft to the starboard quarter, where they stood grouped together,
defending themselves bravely until, seeing that all hope