to the deck.

It was bravely done; and, had they met with a less stout resistance, the
_Kestrel_ would have been captured. But, as it was, they had Englishmen
to deal with, and Hilary and about ten of the crew met them bravely,
Hilary going down, though, from the first blow--one from a
boarding-pike. This, however, so enraged the _Kestrels_ that they beat
back the attacking party, cutting down several and literally hurling
others over into their boat, which hauled off, not liking its reception.

Meanwhile, after a struggle, the crew of the other boat got itself clear
of the tangle, and came on to the attack, to find themselves, after a
sharp struggle, repulsed by the lieutenant and his party, the leader
fighting bravely and well.

It was evident that the commander of the schooner had realised the
character of the vessel with which he had been in collision, and had
hoped to make an easy capture of her, if she did not prove to be in a
sinking state. If she were, motives of humanity had prompted him to
take off the crew, if they needed help. The task, however, had proved
more severe than he anticipated, and the two boats were now together,
with their leaders evidently in consultation.

The next minute an order was evidently given, and the boats turned,
separated, and began to row back.

The schooner could only be made out now by a light she had hoisted; but
this was quite sufficient for Billy Waters, who stood ready by his gun
waiting for orders. Possibly he might have hit and sunk one of the
boats, but the lieutenant did not seem to wish for this, but began
giving his orders with unwonted energy, trying to make sail upon the
_Kestrel_, which lay there upon the water, with one of her wings, as it
were, so crippled that he found it would take quite half an hour before
she could be cleared.

"It's of no use, Mr Leigh," he cried excitedly. "I wanted to board and
take this schooner, and we cannot get alongside. Take charge of the
gun, sir, and try and bring down one of her spars. Let's cripple her
too. I'll order out the boats to board her."

"Ay, ay, sir," said Hilary, delighted at the energy shown by his chief.
"Now, Billy Waters, send a shot through her mainmast. I'd aim straight
at her light."

"Which on 'em, sir?" said the gunner drily.

"Why, that one! There's only one," cried Hilary sharply.

"Look alive! and--ah--how provoking, the light's out!"

"Ay, sir, they've dowsed their light now the boat