ve them back with prodigious slaughter, some on board the
frigate and some into the water, where many sank to rise no more. Just
then, either from accident or design, the frigate on that side sheered
off; but the Frenchmen who had attacked on the larboard side had already
gained a footing on the _Hector's_ deck. Every inch of it was, however,
being hotly disputed; and now Paul and his companions, with their
newly-invented battle cry, rushed over on that side to the assistance of
their shipmates. Their coming turned the tide of the fight. "Huzza for
Billy True Blue! Huzza for our Billy!" shouted Paul, and Abel, and Tom,
and Peter. Step by step, as they had advanced, only at a much greater
speed, the Frenchmen were driven back,--though numbers never got back,
being cut down as they stood,--till at last the rest, with desperate
springs, endeavoured to regain their ship. Very few accomplished their
intention, for most of them shared the fate of their friends in the
other ship.

Many, indeed, had no friendly plank to step on, for the frigate fell
away and left them deserted on the _Hector's_ decks. No one thought of
asking for quarter, and in the heat of that desperate fight no quarter
was given. The instant the ship was free of her opponents, the crew
flew back to their guns and began to blaze away with as much energy as
before. Now the old seventy-four's yards and blocks, and rigging, came
rattling down from aloft; her sails hung in tatters, and the water
rushing in told of numerous shot-holes between wind and water, while
scarcely a brace or a sheet remained to enable her to alter her
position. Once again the Frenchmen ranged up alongside. Again the cry
was heard, "Boarders, repel boarders!"

As before, two parties of seamen, and a few of the invalid soldiers and
others, rushed to repel them. Neither party could tell how far success
was attending the exertions of their friends. Paul's was very nearly
overpowered; but again Billy True Blue's name was shouted to the rescue,
and, with as much slaughter as before, the Frenchmen were driven back to
their ships. On the larboard side the fight was even more obstinate;
but British pluck gained the day, and tumbled most of the Frenchmen into
the sea.

Again the Frenchmen drew off and opened their broadsides. Dawn was now
breaking, and what a scene of wreck and havoc did the pure fresh light
disclose! Captain Drury gazed with grief at the state of the ship, for