by the pennants and ensigns she hoisted. And now she
was observed to be making more sail, and standing towards the pirate,
which was evidently endeavouring to escape. The latter, however, in a
short time, either considering escape impossible, or confiding in her
own strength, again tacked, and stood boldly towards the man-of-war.
Nearer and nearer they drew to each other. It was evident, from the
pirate keeping her flag flying, that she intended to fight to the last.
She was the first to fire, discharging her whole broadside at the
man-of-war. The latter fired not a shot in return, but stood on,
gradually shortening sail. Then suddenly luffing up, she crossed the
bows of the pirate. As she did so, before the other could keep away,
she fired her whole broadside, raking the pirate's decks fore and aft.
The latter, again keeping away, fired in return, but little damage
seemed to be done. The crew of the _Amity_ set up a loud shout as they
saw the success of their friends. And now the combatants, shrouded in
smoke, stood away from the land, the rapid sound of their guns showing
the desperation with which they were fighting. Those on shore watched
them anxiously. Many a prayer was offered up for the success of the
royal cruiser. Their own safety, indeed, depended on it. Farther and
farther the combatants receded from the shore, till it was difficult to
distinguish one from the other. Now they were shrouded with smoke, now
the wind blew it away, and they were seen, still standing on, exchanging
shots. Now at length they appeared locked in a close embrace. Then a
dense mass of smoke was seen to ascend from their midst, followed by
flames, and the loud sound of an explosion; but which was the sufferer
it was impossible to discover, or whether both were involved in the same
ruin. How earnestly, how anxiously they were watched from the shore!
Now, at length, once more they were seen returning towards the island;
but one was leading, the other apparently being towed astern. Which was
the conqueror? was the question. On they came, nearer and nearer. Some
declared that the pirate was the leading ship, and seemed ready to
_give_ way to despair.

"No, friends, no," exclaimed the captain. "I can assure you that yonder
tall ship, although her spars and rigging are somewhat shattered by the
fight, is the royal cruiser."

That he was right was soon made evident. Captain Dinan now ordered the
boats to be got ready, a