tle, as also under the poop, with their muzzles turned in-board,
so that should the enemy attempt to board, the decks might be swept by
their fire. These guns, however, were not loaded with round-shot, but
with langrage, which, by scattering around, might kill a number of
persons at each discharge. The wind was moderate, the sea tolerably
smooth. Captain Jumper stood in the mizen-rigging directing the
movements of his ship, while the other officers were stationed in
different parts in command of the guns, some on the upper and main-deck,
others on the forecastle and poop. The surgeons were below in the
cock-pit, getting ready their instruments, and lint, and bandages, and
preparing the tables on which amputation when necessary might be
performed. Here also were restoratives arranged, for those who might
faint from loss of blood. They had taken a look at the enemy, and aware
from her superior size that the fight would be a desperate one, were
coolly talking over the amount of work in store for them. Not a word
was now spoken along the decks, for all jokes were silenced by command
of the officers. The captains of the guns stood ready with their
slow-matches in their hands, prepared to fire at the signal being given.
Already the two antagonists were within range of each other's
artillery, but both waited to get still nearer that the greater effect
might be produced by their fire. John Deane could not help holding his
breath, as did many a brave man on board, not from any sensation of
fear, but from intense eagerness for the moment when the combat was to
begin. They had not long to delay. Captain Jumper had contrived to
place his ship in the position which British officers of all ages have
wished to hold with regard to the enemy--that is, broadside to
broadside; and now he saw that the wished-for moment had arrived.
"Fire!" he shouted. The word was echoed along the decks. The trumpets
now brayed out their loudest sounds of defiance. The captains of the
guns applied their matches, and the loud roar of artillery broke the
silence which had hitherto reigned over the water. The Frenchmen were
not slow to answer, and their shot came crashing on board with terrible
effect. Many a fine fellow who had been laughing and joking with the
rest was laid low. The white splinters were flying on either side, and
ropes which had just before been trim and taut hung in festoons or flew
out in the breeze, while many a shot-hole