y ordered to repair the damage. It took some time,
however, to bend fresh halliards and hoist up the yard. During the
interval, the lugger had gained considerably on the cutter, but this
enabled the latter to fire her stern chasers with more effect. The men
worked vigorously, loading and firing almost as fast as the lugger's
crew did their long gun. Still, with short guns the aim was uncertain,
and of the many shots fired, comparatively few did any damage to the
enemy. Mr Mason's object was to get to the other side of The Start,
when probably the firing might attract the attention of some man-of-war
near the mouth of Plymouth harbour, which might come out to the rescue.
He was determined, however, to fight to the last, rather than yield his
vessel. The Frenchman's object was evidently to knock away some of the
cutter's spars, to get alongside as soon as possible, trusting to obtain
the victory by boarding her, well aware of the small crew she was likely
to carry; probably, also, supposing that she conveying specie or
valuable stores to Plymouth, as was frequently done, instead of sending
them by land. Most of the damage inflicted on the cutter was therefore
aloft. Her sails already showed many holes. Her starboard backstay had
been shot away, her topmast was wounded, though it still stood. Mr
Mason now made preparations for what he saw was inevitable.

"When the cutter boards, my lads, remember we must not only drive back
the boarders, but follow them into their own vessel and take her. Even
if we wished it, should we lose any of our spars, we could not get away
from her. It is pretty certain that her guns are heavier than ours.
Lord Reginald, I'll get you to stand by the helm with half a dozen hands
to manage the cutter in case we are separated, and all the rest of you
will board with me. Lads, I'll depend upon you to carry that craft. I
know what privateersmen are like, when they see cold steel in their
faces. They'll come on boldly enough at first, but when once beaten
back, they'll turn tail like hounds, and skulk for shelter below."

The cheers which rose from the throats of the crew, joined in heartily
by Dick and the rest of the pressed men, gave promise of victory, in
spite of the odds which might be against them. The firing was continued
by both vessels as fast as the guns could be loaded, the lugger
gradually gaining on the chase.

The lieutenant ordered as many hands as were required, to drag