had her guns run out, and the
crew stood at their quarters, ready for action. The officers, with
their glasses, were examining the coast. The sun shone brightly; the
water was blue, still more blue was the sky, shedding a brilliancy over
the sand, the rocks, the hill-sides clothed with verdure, showing here
and there the darker tints of orange or olive groves, with lighter
shades where vineyards clothed the ground. Had it not been for that
ominous-looking little fort, with its extended outworks, the landscape
would have exhibited a picture of perfect rest and peace.

Nearer and nearer approached the frigate, gliding majestically over the
smooth sea. Suddenly, emerging from a ravine, appeared a long line
moving slowly on. Then dots which might have been mistaken for minute
insects separated from it, and here and there puffs of smoke were seen,
which were replied to by the fort with other puffs, and the faint
thunder of cannon was heard on board the frigate.

"Those must be Spaniards attacking the fort," exclaimed the captain,
mechanically whistling for a breeze to urge on the ship with the
rapidity that might satisfy his impatience.

In a short time the whole line was enveloped in smoke, and every gun on
the south side of the fortifications commenced firing, forming so dense
a cloud that the operations of the assailants could no longer be
distinguished.

"The Spaniards will have completed the work, and gained all the glory,
before we can get there to help them," cried Glover. "I wish we had
more wind!"

"So do the Spaniards, but depend on it they will wait for us. There
will be nothing desperate done till we get up to their assistance,"
observed Hardman.

The marines were now ordered to prepare for landing. The captain had
made up his mind to storm the place under cover of the frigate's guns.
Morton volunteered to lead the party. The captain was doubtful about
letting him go. Rolf declared that if his son went, he would go also as
a volunteer. At last the wished-for breeze came, and the frigate
rapidly approached the scene of action.

The breeze lifted the canopy of smoke which hung over it, and the
combatants could now be seen, the Spaniards pushing on in great force
and clambering over an out-work, from which the French, still fighting
bravely, were retreating.

"Ay, those Spaniards have many an act of outrage and cruelty to avenge,"
observed the captain. "Their blood is up now; I never saw them