ught on a dead calm, and
the two ships remained in their respective positions, except that the
Portsmouth's was more favorable, having drawn ahead of the French
vessel, so that her broadside was poured into her opponent, without her
being able to return the fire from more than four or five of her guns.
The fog became more opaque than ever; the two ships had neared each
other considerably, or it would have been impossible to distinguish. All
that they could see from the deck of the Portsmouth was the jib-boom and
cap of the bowsprit of the Frenchman, the rest of her bowsprit, and her
whole hull, were lost in the impenetrable gloom; but that was sufficient
for the men to direct their guns, and the fire from the Portsmouth was
most rapid, although the extent of its execution was unknown. After half
an hour of incessant broadsides, the two vessels had approached each
other so close, that the jib-boom of the Frenchman was pointed between
the fore and main rigging of the Portsmouth. Captain Lumley immediately
gave orders to lash the Frenchman's bowsprit to his mainmast, and this
was accomplished by the first lieutenant, Alfred, and the seamen,
without any serious loss, for the fog was still so thick, that the
Frenchman on their forecastle could not perceive what was doing at their
bowsprit's cap.

"She is ours now," said Captain Lumley to the first lieutenant.

"Yes, sir,--fast enough. I think, if the fog were to clear away, they
would haul down their colors."

"Not till the last, depend upon it," replied Captain Lumley. "Fire away
there, on the main-deck, give them no time to take breath. Mr. Campbell,
tell the second lieutenant to let the foremost lower deck guns be
pointed more aft. I say, not till the last," repeated Captain Lumley to
the first lieutenant; "these republicans will take a good deal of
beating, even upon the water."

"It's clearing up, sir, to the northward a little," said the master.

"I see--yes, it is," replied Captain Lumley. "Well, the sooner the
better: we shall see what has become of all the shot we have been
throwing away."

A white silvery line appeared on the horizon, to the northward;
gradually it increased, and as it rose up, became broader, till at last
the curtain was lifted up, and a few feet were to be seen above the
clear blue water. As it continued to approach, the light became more
vivid, the space below increased, and the water was ruffled with the
coming wind, till at last the fog