nd up with her."

"That's true, Mr Keene, but it's not always the case. I only hope she
will; if not, I fear we shall lose more of our men."

The firing continued, and our main-mast had received so many shots, that
we were obliged to hold it for its support. While so employed, the moon
rose, and the two vessels had now a good view of each other. I directed
my glass to the horizon under the moon, and was delighted to perceive a
black line, which promised wind; I reported it to the master, and the
promise was kept good, for in a quarter of an hour our sails flapped,
and then gradually filled.

"She has steerage way, sir," reported Bob Cross.

"Thank Heaven for that," replied Captain Delmar. "Jump up, men. Brace
round the yards, Mr Hippesley."

"The enemy's main yard is cut in two in the slings, sir," reported I,
after I had my glass upon her.

"Then her last hope is gone," replied Mr Hippesley. "Haul over the
starboard jib-sheet forward--let her come to, quartermaster. Larboard
guns, my lads."

"Now, my men," cried Captain Delmar, "make short work of her."

This injunction was obeyed. We had now a good sight of the enemy, and
brought our whole broadside to bear upon her stern; and after a quarter
of an hour more firing I perceived that her ensign was no longer on the
staff, where it had been hoisted after the fall of the mizenmast;
neither had she for the last five minutes given us a gun in return.

"She has struck, sir, I think," said I to Captain Delmar; "her ensign is
down."

"Pass the word `Cease firing,' Mr Hippesley; but let the guns be all
reloaded in case of accidents. Have we a boat that can swim? Examine
the cutters, Mr Keene."

I found the cutter on the larboard quarter, with her bottom out: she
could not swim, that was clear. The starboard one was in better
condition.

"The starboard cutter will float, sir; her gunwale is all torn away, but
there are rollocks enough to pull."

"Let her be cleared away and lowered down, Mr Hippesley. Send for the
second lieutenant."

"I believe he's not on deck sir," replied the first lieutenant.

"Not much hurt, I hope?"

"A splinter, I was told, sir."

"Where's Mr Weymss, the third lieutenant? Mr Weymss, jump into the
boat, and take possession of the prize: take as many men as you can;
and, Mr Keene, with Mr Weymss, and as soon as you have gained the
necessary information, come back with the boat and two hands."

I followed the third lieut