in rapid succession. Neither of
the shots took effect. At length the schooner got near enough to fire a
whole broadside. As she was about to do so, the ship hauled up her
courses, and, standing across the Frenchman's bows, gave her a raking
broadside which struck down several of her crew, and caused some little
damage to her masts and spars. Harry and David looked anxiously towards
each other. Neither of them was hurt, nor was Pierre, in whom they took
a warm interest. This opposition, however, seemed to excite the captain
to the utmost pitch of fury. He stamped and swore, and ordered a
broadside to be immediately poured into the English ship. The two
vessels now ran on alongside each other. It was clear if the English
vessel was to be taken, she would not be captured without a severe
struggle. The Frenchman's guns were heavier and more numerous than
hers, and the crew were better trained to their use. This soon began to
tell. Several of her spars were soon shot away, and from the faintness
of her fire it seemed too probable that many of her crew had been killed
or wounded. As long as the Frenchman's spars remained standing, to
escape was hopeless, and her guns were therefore directed rather to
knock away the Frenchman's masts than to kill the crew. In this,
however, she was not successful, and several of her own spars were shot
away instead. At length the French captain, delivering another
broadside, ranged up alongside with the intention of boarding. An
attempt was made to avoid this, and boarding nettings were seen triced
up above the bulwarks of the English ship. Again the Frenchman ran
alongside.

"They shall not foil us a second time," exclaimed the French captain;
"no quarter if they do not yield."

Harry and David trembled for the fate of their unfortunate countrymen on
board the merchantman. Just then the English ensign was seen to descend
from the peak. Those on board the English vessel thought that further
resistance was hopeless. The Frenchmen swarmed up the sides, and were
quickly in possession of the English ship.

"We'll follow, and see what takes place," said Harry; "we may perhaps
help some of the poor people."

As there was no one to interfere with them, they were soon on the
merchantman's deck. Some five or six of the crew lay dead, while three
or four others, badly wounded, were being conveyed below. The French
captain, by his gestures, seemed disappointed at not having his