n were on the alert and prepared to receive
the borders. In spite, however, of the pikes thrust at them, and the
pistols fired in their faces, the English climbed up the sides and made
good their footing on deck. Jack, with his trusty hanger in his hand,
kept close to the side of the brave lieutenant. The Frenchmen gathered
thickly before them, and a tall figure, whom by his dress Jack saw was
an officer, led them on, assailing Mr Cammock with great fury. His
sword was about to descend on the head of the English lieutenant, when
Jack, rushing between them, received the blow on his own blade,
returning it with such interest that the French officer stretched his
length on the deck. The fall of their leader discouraged the rest of
the crew. Although they once or twice rallied, they were driven
forward. Many were cut down, and others cried out for quarter. There
was no time to be lost in getting the vessels out, for it was very
evident that a greater number of the crew was on shore; and from the
lights which appeared on every side, and the shouts which reached them,
it was probable that they were coming off to the assistance of their
shipmates. The next vessel appeared to have still fewer people on
board.

"We cannot get her off," observed Mr Cammock, "but we can burn her,
perhaps."

"I will do it!" cried Jack. "Who will follow me?"

Several men instantly volunteered, and Jack, jumping into the boat, led
the way on board. The Frenchmen, perhaps, were not expecting an attack,
for they made no resistance. Jack had snatched a slow-match as he left
the other vessel. With this, light was set to different parts of the
ship on board which he now found himself. The astonished crew were
either drunk or frightened, and did nothing to put out the flames, but
were seen to lower a boat and jump into her. The work accomplished,
Jack returned to the last vessel which had been taken just as the cable
was cut and sail was made on her to carry her out of the harbour. So
rapidly did the flames of the vessel which had been set on fire burst
forth, that even she with difficulty escaped from them, while, as they
glided down the harbour, they were seen to extend to several other
vessels near.

"Deane, you have rendered an important service to-night," said Mr
Cammock, as Jack returned on board.

"I can make a favourable report of you to the captain, if we get safe
out of this, as I hope we may."

Scarcely a quarter of an ho