The _Foxhound's_ guns again thundered forth, and directly after there
came the crashing sound of shot, rending the stout sides of the ship.

For several minutes the roar was incessant. Presently a cheer was heard
from the deck.

One of the Frenchman's masts had gone over the side; but before many
minutes had elapsed, a crashing sound overhead showed that the
_Foxhound_ had been equally unfortunate.

Her foremast had been shot away by the board, carrying with it the
bowsprit and maintopmast.

She was thus rendered almost unmanageable, but still her brave captain
maintained the unequal contest.

The guns, as they could be brought to bear, were fired at the enemy with
such effect that she was compelled to sheer off to repair damages.

On seeing this, the crew of the _Foxhound_ gave another hearty cheer;
but ere the sound had died away, down came the mainmast, followed by the
mizenmast, and the frigate lay an almost helpless hulk on the water.

Captain Waring at once gave the order to clear the wreck, intending to
get up jury-masts, so as to be in a condition to renew the combat should
the French ship again attack them.

All hands were thus busily employed. The powder in the meantime was
returned to the magazine, and the guns run in and secured.

The ship was in a critical condition.

The carpenters, before anything else could be done, had to stop the
shot-holes between wind and water, through which the sea was pouring in
several places.

It was possible that the prisoners might not resist the temptation,
while the crew were engaged, to attempt retaking the ship.

The captain and officers redoubled their watchfulness. The crew went
steadily about their work, as men who knew that their lives depended on
their exertions. Even the stoutest-hearted, however, looked grave.

The weather was changing for the worse, and should the wind come from
the northward, they would have a hard matter to escape being wrecked,
even could they keep the ship afloat.

The enemy, too, was near at hand, and might at any moment bear down upon
them, and recommence the action.

The first lieutenant, as he was coming along the deck, met Bill, who was
trying to make himself useful in helping where he was wanted.

"Rayner," said Mr Saltwell, "I want you to keep an eye on the
prisoners, and report to the captain or me, should you see anything
suspicious in their conduct--if they are talking together, or look as if
they were waiting