attack, hurried down from
their batteries to oppose them on the beach. This was just what Sir
Sydney wished, as it enabled the ships to creep up without being fired
at.

The boats, as they advanced, were so warmly received by the troops on
the beach that they could not effect a landing at the spot proposed.
True Blue's quick eye, however, observed what he thought looked like a
landing-place, close under the nearest fort. He pointed it out to Sir
Henry, who, calling the boats nearest to him to follow, dashed on
towards it. The first lieutenant of the _Diamond_ meantime so entirely
kept the troops on the beach employed, that no one saw what was
occurring.

In another minute Sir Henry and his followers were on shore. True Blue
was next to him, carrying the flag. A rocky height, almost a precipice,
had to be climbed to reach the fort. Up they all went at once, like
goats, making violent springs, or climbing up with hands and knees.
True Blue was one of the first, helping up Sir Henry, whose strength was
often not equal to his spirit.

When the English were half way up, the French caught sight of them, and
now the whole body hurried along the road to regain the fort. It was a
desperate race between the two parties. The English had a short but
rugged height to scale, the French a longer but smoother path to
traverse. The frigate's boats however, by a well-directed fire,
assisted to impede their progress, and to thin their numbers as they
went. On sprang the daring seamen. True Blue was the first over the
parapet and into the fort. Sir Henry followed close to him. The French
were almost at the gate, which was left open.

"Here, Freeborn!" he exclaimed; "this gun, slew it round and give it to
them. It is loaded and primed--see!"

The gun which Sir Henry touched was a field-piece, evidently brought for
the occasion into the fort. Several seamen assembling, the gun was
instantly got round, and as the leading body of French appeared, True
Blue pointing it, fired it directly in their faces; then with a loud
shout drawing his cutlass, he and Sir Henry rushed furiously at them,
followed by most of the men. So unexpected was the assault that the
leading files gave way, and, pressing on the others, hurried down the
narrow path. Sir Henry calling back his companions, they re-entered the
fort.

The gate was then shut, lest the enemy should return, and all the guns
were immediately spiked. The commander of the ex