ach masthead, to
show the enemy that he intended to fight as long as the masts stood, or
his vessel remained above water.

The brig had not got far, however, when six field-pieces, dragged by
horses, with a considerable body of men, were seen some way ahead
approaching the edge of the cliffs. Jack was not left long in doubt as
to their object, for bringing their guns to bear on the brig, the
Spaniards opened fire, their shot whizzing over the brig, a few only
passing through her sails.

Needham had got his beloved Long Tom elevated as much as possible, the
two carronades loaded with canister, and the rockets were ready in their
stands.

"Let them learn what Long Tom can do," said Jack. Needham fired but the
shot flew over the heads of the enemy; the gun was quickly again loaded.
After the next shot two or three of the horses were seen plunging
wildly, and one of the guns appeared to have received some damage--the
distance was too great to ascertain what it was. The brig made rapid
way, the next shot buried itself in the cliff; it was evident that Long
Tom could do no more for the present. The carronades were now fired,
and a flight of rockets sent the horsemen galloping out of the way,
while the gunners scampered off or threw themselves on the ground; a
second flight of rockets and another dose of canister kept them from
returning till the brig had neared the cliffs; so close indeed was she
that her mainyard almost touched them, while the enemy, who by this time
had returned, could not sufficiently depress their guns to send a shot
down on her decks, neither did the riflemen approach sufficiently near
the edge to fire into her; probably having a wholesome dread of the
rockets or bullets which might be sent in return from the daring little
vessel.

As yet no one had been hit on board the brig, and Jack was beginning to
hope that she might pass without damage beyond the dangerous point, when
farther on appeared a line of batteries, and he had just reason to fear
that they would cause him greater injury than he had hitherto received.
He pointed them out to Terence.

"I would advise you to send the hands below while you and I and the
helmsman remain on deck," said Terence coolly. "We shall save the men,
and should a few shots go through the ship's side we shall have time to
stop the holes before much water gets in; there would be no use replying
to the batteries, and we must do our best to get by them as fast as