the roar of the guns a loud crash was heard, and the mizenmast,
unable to bear the additional strain on it, went by the board, but
falling to starboard, did not impede the working of the guns. As the
crew were running from under it, the tall mainmast was seen to totter,
and with all its yards and sails, over it went on the same side. With a
groan the boatswain saw what had occurred. He feared, too, that the
enemy might escape, as her masts were still standing; but as the
"Thisbe's" mainmast went, the French frigate ran stern on to her, on her
larboard quarter, her bowsprit passing directly across her deck over the
capstan.

"She is our own if we can but keep her," exclaimed the boatswain; and,
followed by Ronald, he hurried aft, calling to some of his mates to
assist him.

The officers and crew had enough to do at that moment, for the Frenchmen
trusting to their number, which appeared to be very great, were swarming
on the forecastle, and rushing along the bowsprit with the intention of
boarding the "Thisbe."

"Boarders! repel boarders!" shouted the captain, setting the example in
attacking the first Frenchmen who presented themselves as they sprang
forward.

Now the clash of steel, the sharp report of pistols, intermingled with
the roar of the great guns--those on the quarter and main-decks still
continuing to pour a destructive fire into the enemy's starboard bow as
they could be brought to bear the Frenchmen, from the position in which
their ship was placed, being only able to reply with musketry. Their
critical position made them rush on and on again with the greatest
frenzy, but each time they were driven back with heavy loss, many of
them falling overboard from off the bowsprit, or being cut down by the
British seamen. Meantime Rolf Morton and his followers were busily
engaged in lashing the enemy's bowsprit to their capstan with such ropes
as they could lay hands on. Captain Courtney looked round, and saw how
they were engaged.

"Admirably done, Mr Morton," he cried out. "Keep her there, and we
will give a good account of the Frenchmen in her."

At that moment the enemy, with loud shouts and _sacres_ and other oaths,
came rushing forward in greater numbers than before, intending to drop
down on the "Thisbe's" deck, and hoping to overwhelm her crew by their
numbers. Again they felt the effect of British cutlasses. Desperately
as they fought, they were once more driven back with diminished numbers