up three lines of his men, with their
bayonets fixed, from one side of the vessel to the other, abreast of the
gangways, forming a barrier, behind which the crew of the French had
retreated, and which was impenetrable to the gallant crew of the
_Aspasia_, who were only provided with short cutlasses.

Captain M---, as he saw his men falling on every side, and every attempt
to force a passage unsuccessful, although accompanied with heavy loss of
lives, found himself, as it were, in a trap. To force his way through
appeared impossible--to retreat was against his nature. McElvina, who
had been fighting by his side, perceived the awkward and dangerous
predicament they were in, and his ready talent suggested a remedy.
Calling out loudly, "Susannes! away there!--follow me!" an order
instantly obeyed by his men, he disappeared with them over the hammocks,
leaping back upon the quarter-deck of the _Aspasia_.

"Curses on the smuggler, he has run for it. At them again, my Britons
never mind," cried the first-lieutenant, leading on the men against the
phalanx of bayonets. But it was not as the first-lieutenant had
supposed; for before the cutlasses of the seamen had time again to
strike fire upon the steel points which opposed their passage, McElvina
reappeared in the fore-rigging of the French vessel, followed by his
smugglers, who attacked the French troops in the rear, with a loud yell,
and an impetuosity that was irresistible. The diversion was announced
by a cheer from Captain M--- and his party abaft, who, rushing upon the
bayonets of the Frenchman, already in confusion from the attack of
McElvina, forced them down on the main-deck, and in a few minutes the
hatches were secured over the remainder of the crew, and the tricoloured
ensign disappeared from the gaff; and announced to the spectators in the
batteries on shore, that "_Britannia ruled the waves_."

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

Brave hearts! to Britain's pride
Once so faithful and so true,
On the deck of fame that died
With the gallant, good Riou--
Soft sigh the winds of Heaven o'er their grave!
While the billow mournful rolls,
And the mermaid's song condoles,
Singing glory to the souls
Of the brave!
CAMPBELL.

Hasty congratulations between the survivors of the victorious party were
exchanged as they proceeded to obey the orders which were issued by
Captain M--- who directed their attention to the relief of the wounded,
lying in heaps upon