ir batteries,
the ships discharging their broadsides at the same moment. The troops
had been ordered to make an assault at the same time; and it was hoped
by the combined efforts of the land and sea forces that the pirates
would soon be compelled to yield.

After some hours of firing, however, news was brought to the admiral
that the assault made by the troops had failed, and as far as we could
judge from what we could see through the wreaths of smoke which
enveloped the ships, no impression had been made on the walls of the
city, though the flames bursting forth here and there showed that some
of the houses inside had been set on fire. Don Antonio Barcelo, thus
finding that his efforts were unavailing, the wind having shifted,
ordered the ships to get under weigh, and stand out of the reach of the
Algerine shot.

We had lost a few men, but had not been at sufficiently close quarters
to receive much damage. Vernon was much disappointed, and so were we;
but the admiral assured him that he would go at it again the next day,
after the troops had had a little breathing-time.

He was as good as his word; and soon after dawn the fleet again stood
in, and recommenced the attack. The Algerines, however, kept up so
tremendous a fire, that some of the ships, being much damaged, withdrew
to a safer distance. The admiral also received information that the
enemy had made a sortie on the troops, and had driven them back with
fearful slaughter. Still he was undaunted, and declared his intention
of succeeding.

"If he would dismiss a few of the Maltese and Sicilian ships, he would
have a better chance of doing so," said Vernon. "The Spaniards and
Portuguese are brave enough, but they are not much given to coming to
close quarters, while the others would keep out of the fight altogether
if they could."

Another attack was accordingly planned, and Don Antonio ordered the
smaller craft to stand closer in than before. The other ships, however,
brought up at a respectful distance when they found the Algerine shot
came rattling aboard them. Judging by the thunder of the guns and the
amount of the smoke, it seemed to me impossible that the Algerines could
long stand out against our assaults. In all directions houses were seen
in flames; and I thought that the whole city must be burned down, for
the flames were extending, yet the guns and batteries replied with as
much briskness as at first. Again news was brought from the sho