mbustibles were brought from the ketch, and piled
about the frigate, and lighted. So quickly was the work done, and so
rapidly did the flames spread, that the people who lit the fires in
the storerooms and cock-pit had scarce time to get on deck before
their retreat was cut off by the flames. Before the ketch could be
cast off from the sides of the frigate, the flames came pouring out of
the port-holes, and flaming sparks fell aboard the smaller vessel, so
that the ammunition which lay piled amidships was in grave danger of
being exploded. Axes and cutlasses were swung with a will; and soon
the bonds which held the two vessels together were cut, and the ketch
was pushed off. Then the blue-jackets bent to their sweeps, and soon
the "Intrepid" was under good headway.

"Now, lads," cried Decatur, "give them three cheers."

And the jackies responded with ringing cheers, that mingled with the
roar of the flames that now had the frame of the "Philadelphia" in
their control. Then they grasped their sweeps again, and the little
vessel glided away through a hail of grape and round shot from the
Tripolitan batteries and men-of-war. Though the whistle of the
missiles was incessant, and the splash of round-shot striking the
water could be heard on every side, no one in the boat was hurt; and
the only shot that touched the ketch went harmlessly through her
main-sail. As they pulled away, they saw the flames catch the rigging
of the "Philadelphia," and run high up the masts. Then the hatchways
were burst open, and great gusts of flame leaped out. The shotted guns
of the frigate were discharged in quick succession; one battery
sending its iron messengers into the streets of Tripoli, while the
guns on the other side bore upon Fort English. The angry glare of the
flames, and the flash of the cannon, lighted up the bay; while the
thunders of the cannonade, and the cries of the Tripolitans, told of
the storm that was raging.

The ruddy light of the burning ship bore good news to two anxious
parties of Decatur's friends. Capt. Bainbridge and the other American
officers whom the Tripolitans had captured with the "Philadelphia"
were imprisoned in a tower looking out upon the bay. The rapid thunder
of the cannonade on this eventful night awakened them; and they rushed
to their windows, to see the "Philadelphia," the Bashaw's boasted
prize, in flames. Right lustily they added their cheers to the general
tumult, nor ceased their demonstratio