ming at the
flagstaff, which, however, was some distance from the rocket party.
Though the shot came plunging down on either side, the flag still waved
defiantly in their faces, while the rockets continued to be sent up; but
at length the enemy, discovering the point from whence they came, turned
their guns in the right direction. The shot, however, either buried
themselves in the bank, or flying over the heads of the gallant little
band, went bounding away across the island. The signal of recall was
now seen flying from the flagship, and the order for decamping was
given, the people being directed to scatter as widely as possible, and
to make their way as rapidly as they could, without exposing themselves
more than was necessary, to the boat.

The men shouldered the rocket-stands, the remaining rockets, and
everything belonging to them.

"We must not leave the flagstaff behind," cried Jack; springing to the
top of the bank, he hauled it out of the ground, and waving it in the
faces of the enemy, leapt down again, just in time to escape a shot
which came flying over his head.

"Now, lads, run for it!" cried the officer in command; and at the word
the whole party set off, scampering along through the brushwood towards
the boat, while the shot came whistling after them, clipping off the
branches of the trees on either side, or plunging into the ground behind
them, or whistling over their heads; but thick as had been the shower of
iron missiles, when they reached the boat, to their mutual satisfaction,
not a single man had been hit. The boat was quickly cleared of the
willows which concealed her, and shoved out into the stream.

"Out, oars!" was the word, and away she flew down the river to join the
squadron. As they passed the large island, to the south of the one they
had occupied, they observed three merchant men which had got on shore,
from keeping too much over to the east side. The boats of the squadron
had just come up, and were engaged in hauling them off; two were got
free, but the third being immoveable, was set on fire to prevent the
enemy from benefiting by her cargo. No other vessel was lost, but
slight damage was suffered by even those most exposed to the enemy's
guns, and not a man was hit.

The flames of the burning vessel cast a lurid glare from bank to bank,
as the fleet with flying colours proceeded down the broad stream on
their voyage to Monte Video.

Rosas made no further attempt to moles