e two frigates ranged up
alongside each other and hotly engaged, broadside to broadside, in the
fashion in which British tars have ever delighted. Fiercely the two
crews fought; the French, once having began, proved themselves no
unworthy antagonists. The main and mizen-masts of the "Blanche" fell,
and the French, seizing the moment, ran alongside and attempted to
board. The British crew sprang up to repel them. Among the foremost
was Pearce, with Dick Rogers by his side. With their sharp cutlasses
they drove the Frenchmen back. Again the guns roared as before. Once
more the French ship fell aboard the "Blanche," her bowsprit touching
the latter's capstan. Captain Faulkner hurried to secure it there, for
the "Pique," thus held, was exposed to the raking fire of his frigate.
Among those who flew to assist him were Pearce Ripley and Dick Rogers,
the Frenchman's musketry playing hotly on them. "This is something like
what you did in the old `Marlborough,' sir," said Dick to Pearce, so
loud that all might hear him--so many did, and noted the words. Death
was busy around them. While he was passing the lashing the young and
gallant Captain Faulkner fell to the deck--a musket ball had pierced his
heart. That was no time for grieving, even for one well-beloved as the
captain. A hawser was being got up from below to secure the enemy's
ship; but before it could be used she broke adrift, to the
disappointment of the British tars. A cheer, however, burst from their
throats as, directly afterwards, the "Blanche," paying off for want of
after-sail, the "Pique," while attempting to cross her stern, fell once
more aboard her. This time they took good care to secure the bowsprit
to the stump of their mainmast; and now, running before the wind, the
"Blanche" towing her opponent, the fight was continued with greater fury
than ever. In vain the Frenchmen strove to free themselves by cutting
the lashings--each time they made the attempt the marines drove them
back with their musketry. Still it seemed doubtful with whom victory
would side. The "Blanche" had no stern ports through which guns could
be fought; the carpenters were unable to aid them. A bold expedient was
proposed. The guns must make ports for them selves through the transom.
Firemen with buckets were stationed ready to extinguish the fire which
the discharge would create. With a thundering roar the guns sent their
shot through the stern, and, the fire being ex