the
Picaroons had gathered to watch the conflict; and, as the boats became
short-handed from the carnage, they put back to the shore, and
returned to the fight fully re-enforced. The bodies of the dead were
thrown overboard without ceremony, and soon attracted great schools of
the fierce sharks that abound in the waters of the tropics. Then a new
horror was added to the scene. At a moment when the barges wavered and
floated for a moment without motion, Porter ordered his gunners to
load with solid shot. Two or three broadsides rang out; and, when the
smoke cleared away, two barges were seen to be sinking. The affrighted
crews bent to their oars, and strained every muscle to reach the
shore; but, while yet in deep water, the barges sunk, and the
Picaroons were left floundering in the sea. All struck out manfully
for the shore; but suddenly one sprung half from the water, and with a
horrid yell sunk from sight. One after another disappeared in the same
way; for the sharks had tasted blood, and were not to be appeased. For
seven hours the conflict raged fiercely; but at last the Picaroons
confessed themselves beaten, and sullenly relinquished their attacks
upon the "Experiment." But they were not to be wholly robbed of their
plunder; and two merchant-vessels fell a prey to their piratical
violence, before a breeze, springing up, enabled the squadron to
escape.

Before the year was over, the Picaroons had another serious defeat to
mourn over; and on this second occasion they were well punished for
their many piracies. The "Boston," a twenty-eight-gun ship, was
convoying a merchant-brig to Port au Prince, when the lookout
discovered nine large barges skulking along the shore, ready to pounce
upon the two vessels when a favorable moment should arrive. Porter was
again in command. His tactics were at once determined upon; and the
ports of the "Boston" were closed, and the ship thoroughly disguised.
The Picaroons were deceived sufficiently to make a dash upon the two
ships, and approach boldly within easy gunshot; then, discovering
their mistake, they turned and fled in panic. This time no calm
hampered the ship-of-war; and, making all sail, she dashed into their
midst. For two hours she kept within easy range of the barges; and her
gunners, working deliberately, did fearful execution in the ranks of
the enemy, and sunk three barges before the wretched fugitives could
reach the shore. After dealing out this summary justice, th