nt about to occur. It was
next seen that all sail was being made on the frigate. The men had
deserted their guns. The British seamen plied the enemy with their
carronades with still greater energy. The great masses of iron were
hauled in and out as if they had been made of wood. Their only fear was
that their antagonist would escape them. More sail was made on the
corvette to keep up with him. To prevent the corvette from following,
the Frenchmen again returned to their guns, and the frigate suddenly
hauling up let fly her broadside.

Pearce saw the manoeuvre about to be executed, and was just in time to
haul up also to save the "Vestal" from being raked. The frigate's shot,
accompanied by a shower of musketry, came tearing on board. Hitherto
one officer and four men had been killed on board the "Vestal," and six
wounded, including the master slightly--a heavy loss out of a sloop's
complement, but Pearce saw victory within his grasp, and resolved to
persevere. The last broadside from the frigate told with fearful effect
on the corvette. Her spars and rigging were much cut about; three more
men were struck, and the brave captain was seen to stagger back. Had
not Rogers sprang forward and caught him in his arms he would have
fallen to the deck. He was speechless, but he motioned to Bonham, who
ran up to continue the fight. When an attempt was made to carry him
below, he signified that he would remain on deck till the battle was
won. The surgeon came up and stanched the blood flowing from his
shoulder. The nervous system had received a violent shock, but he could
not tell whether the wound would prove mortal, the surgeon reported.
Still the battle raged. The French were again seen to quit their guns.
The corvette followed up her success. It was observed that buckets were
being hauled up through the ports, the frigate must be on fire; her
foremast fell, the corvette ranged up alongside, the French ensign was
still flying. Bonham was ordering another broadside to be poured in,
when down came the enemy's flag, and at that moment, Pearce recovering,
joined in the cheer which burst from the lips of the British crew.

"Go and help the poor fellows," were the first words the young captain
spoke. The corvette's boats which could swim were lowered and armed
with buckets, the English seamen hurried up the sides of their late
opponent. Her deck presented everywhere signs of their prowess, covered
with the bodies