over the wall. Two or
three were defending themselves bravely. One of the number fell.
Morton, seeing what was taking place, and that they would all be killed,
calling some of his men, made a dash at the enemy. Rolf was by his
side, and lifting up the man who had been wounded, bore him out of the
fight. More marines and seamen clambered up.

The Frenchmen gave way and fled to the citadel. Some were cut down
while bravely defending the gate. The rest got in; the portal was
closed, and then a white flag was hung out, as a token that the governor
was ready to surrender on terms. His sole proposal was that he and his
men might be conveyed on board the British ship-of-war, to save them
from the certainty of being cut to pieces by the Spaniards, should they
have them in their power.

The Spaniard whom Rolf had rescued was full of gratitude. He had been
knocked down, but his wound was not dangerous. He was a militia-man; a
brave fellow, as he had proved himself by the ardour with which he had
scaled the walls. He put his house and everything he possessed at the
service of those who had preserved his life. He lived, he said, some
way to the south. He should now return home, having had fighting
enough, and a wound to show as a proof of his patriotism.

Ronald took the offers at what he believed them worth, and parted from
him on the most friendly terms. The prisoners were conveyed on board
the frigate; and as they embarked, the scowling looks the Spaniards cast
on them showed what would have been their fate had they remained on
shore.

Part only of the work to be accomplished was performed. As the French
would soon again occupy the fort if it was left without a garrison, and
as the Spaniards could not be depended on, it was necessary to blow it
up. A supply of powder was found in it; some more was landed from the
ship. Excavations were made under the walls; the train was laid. One
gig only remained. Bob Doull undertook to fire the train. The rest of
the crew were in their seats, with oars in hand, ready to pull off.
Ronald stood up in the stern-sheets to give the word. Bob applied the
match, and stooped down as if to blow it, and was in consequence sent
reeling backward, while the fire, like a snake, went hissing along the
ground. Ronald shouted to him. He picked himself up, and rushed down
to the boat with his hair singed and his face blackened like a negro's.

"Shove off, my lads! Give way!" cried