employed, some loading and
firing, others bringing up powder and shot from below, and the rest
attending to the sails. The smoke, which there was scarcely sufficient
air to blow away, enveloped the combatants, and prevented those at a
distance from being able to discern which was likely to be the victor.
Murray and his crew, however, very well knew how matters went. The
splinters which flew from the corvette's side, and the shrieks and cries
which came from her deck showed the fearful effect their fire was
producing on their antagonist. At last one gun was silent, and then
another, and then only three replied to them.

Murray cheered on his men, who although perspiring at every pore, ran
their guns in and out with as good a will as at first. By this time the
brig had drifted still closer to her foe.

Once more Long Tom was fired, loaded with langrage, which swept with
fearful effect across the deck of the corvette. Not a shot came from
her in return. The brig's guns were, however, again loaded; but just
before the triggers were pulled, down came the corvette's ensign! A
loud cheer burst from the throats of the British crew. Murray was on
the point of anchoring, intending to send a boat on board to take
possession, when a brig was seen dropping down the harbour, and followed
by three schooners, favoured by a light breeze off shore.

"See, my lads, here come more of them!" he cried, in a cheery voice.
"We will settle them, however, as we have done the corvette!"

"Ay, ay, sir, that we will!" shouted the voices of his gallant fellows.

"You wouldn't say so if you didn't intend it," he answered.

"Well, try and see how quickly we can finish them off."

The brig was some way ahead of the schooners, and Murray, anxious to
engage her before their arrival, put the brig about, assisted by the
light breeze, which just then filled her sails. Her commander, not
aware that the corvette had struck her colours, was little prepared for
the reception he was to meet with. As soon as Murray had got this fresh
foe within range of his long gun he opened fire. The shot, well aimed,
went crashing through her side; the second shot was fired before she got
near enough for the carronades to reach her. The belief that the
English brig had only one long gun prevented the Carthagenans from
attempting to escape. The next time Long Tom was fired, his shot was
attended by two from the carronades. The enemy replied with her
broadsi