fight so
bravely."

The spectacle greatly increased the eagerness of all onboard the frigate
to take part in the work. The crews of the boats, and those who were to
go on the expedition, stood in readiness, with pistols in their belts,
and cutlasses at their sides; the marines drawn up, stiff and prim,
ready to step into the boats, offering a strong contrast to the
blue-jackets, with their rolling, somewhat swaggering movements, while
several not told off to go were stealing round in the hopes of being
able to slip unnoticed into the boats.

The Spaniards, apparently encouraged by the approach of the British
ship, and knowing that those they had some reason to suspect were
witnesses of their conduct, charged with greater vigour.

At length the wished-for moment arrived. The "Imperious" teached in as
close as the depth of water would allow. A spring had been got ready on
her cable. The moment the anchor was dropped she opened her broadside
on the fort, while the boats collecting on the other, the men sprang
into them, and giving way, they pulled with lusty strokes towards the
shore. The forts opened fire on them, but the boats were small objects,
and though the shots ploughed up the water ahead and astern of them, no
one was hit. As they reached the beach some way to the southward of the
castle, the marines and bluejackets sprang on shore, and instantly
formed; then "Onward!" was the word. The Spaniards welcomed them with
vivas. There was little time for Morton to exchange greetings with the
Spanish chief. A supply of scaling ladders had been prepared and
brought on shore, and Lord Claymore had taken good care that they should
be long enough. The seamen carried them, and rushed on, following
Ronald and his father. Rolf kept up with the activity of a younger man.
On they went; they soon distanced the Spaniards. The outworks had been
secured. Through them they dashed. The scaling ladders were planted
against the walls; the French made some attempt to throw them down, but
some of the seamen held them fast at the foot while the others climbed
up. Nothing could stop their impetuosity.

The Spaniards were now swarming up likewise. The enemy fought with the
courage of despair. They well knew that, should they fall into the
hands of the Spaniards, their doom would be sealed. A number of
Spaniards had made good their footing, when the French charged them with
such fury that many were cut down, or hurled back