gain.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

ANOTHER FIERCE CONFLICT.

A ship on shore is, at all times, a melancholy spectacle; but very sad
it makes the hearts of those feel who see their own vessel lying among
rocks in strange seas, far away from any friendly ports, and surrounded
by enemies. Mr Cherry and his companions pulled away with all their
might to ascertain the worst. The frigate, during this time,
occasionally fired one of her bow guns. As they drew nearer, they
perceived that she was doing so at a fleet of war-junks clustering in
the distance, but who prudently were keeping out of range of her shot.
Still, from their remaining where they were, it was evident that they
were meditating an attack on her should another gale spring up, or any
other occurrence give them a chance of success. The boats could not be
of any great assistance, but still they would be of some use in the
exertions to be made in getting her off. The brig would be of far more
service; but where she was, it was difficult to say. When last seen,
she was in a chase of another fleet of pirates to the northward. When
they got alongside, every man of the frigate's crew was busily engaged
in efforts to get the ship off. Mr Cherry and his party were warmly
welcomed, however, and in spite of the fatigue they had gone through,
they all at once lent a hand to effect the desired object. Anchors were
got out astern, the anchors and some of the heavy guns were lowered into
the boats, and the capstan was manned. Round went the men with the
capstan bars, but the cables were soon stretched to their utmost, and
there they stood pressing with might and main, but not an inch did the
frigate move.

"We shall have to start the water and heave some of the stores and guns
overboard, I fear," observed the first lieutenant to the captain.

"We will do anything rather than lose our guns," said Captain Grant. "I
have no fancy to have our teeth drawn. The crew may rest for a spell.
See, there is a breeze coming ahead," observed the captain, after some
time. "Man the capstan again. Set the mainsail, mizen-topsail, and
topgallant-sail. Let the people run from side to side as the capstan
goes round."

The orders were put into execution. The men strained every nerve as
before. Suddenly the capstan went round an inch; then another and
another. Was it the anchors coming home? No: the ship herself was
moving. Everybody on board felt her move. "Hurrah! hurrah!