y one of our stern-chasers; and we then went about, that we might keep
the weather-gauge--a most important point under present circumstances.

The enemy, to avoid being raked, had to do the same. "Give it them now,
my lads!" shouted the captain. "Let every shot tell, and show the big
one what a little craft can do when her crew have the will to make her
speak!" Loud cheers were the reply to the address, and instantly every
gun sent forth its flame of fire; and I believe that not a shot failed
to take some effect on the hull or rigging of our opponent. Now hotly
broadside to broadside, at the distance of half-gun-shot from each
other, we stood in towards the land. As fast as they could be run in
loaded, our guns discharged their deadly showers. All the time we were
edging closer towards each other, and as we got within hail we could see
that considerable damage had already been suffered by the frigate. This
gave fresh encouragement to us, and we blazed away with more hearty
good-will than before. The enemy's shot had, however, been telling not
a little on us. Several of our men had lost the number of their mess,
and more had been wounded; but no damage of consequence had been
received aloft, and any the hull had received had been quickly repaired
by our carpenter and his active crew.

Amid the roar of the guns a loud shout burst from our people. I looked
up. The frigate's mizzen-topmast had been shot away, and came tumbling
down on deck. Our fore-topgallant-topmast, however, soon followed, cut
through by a round-shot; but that was of little consequence, as our
topsail-yard was uninjured, and the topsail still stood. We were not
long in clearing the wreck, but for a moment there was a cessation of
firing. Just then a hail came across the dark waters from the
Frenchman's deck.

"Do you strike, Sare? Do you strike?" was asked through a
speaking-trumpet. Our captain seized his trumpet in return.

"Certainly, monsieur, certainly. We have been and intend to go on
striking, just in the way Englishmen have the fashion of doing."

A loud laugh burst from our crew at this answer. It just suited our
tastes, and then such a hearty cheer was uttered as could not have
failed to convince the Frenchman that our captain was likely to be
backed by his people to the utmost. Our guns were not long silent, and
once more the darkness of night was illuminated by the bright sheets of
flame which burst forth in almost a co