d to make
off. The _Brunswick_, as they did so, gave them a parting dose; but it
had not the effect of making them once more lower their colours. All
this time, the crews stationed at the _Brunswick's_ lower and main deck
guns were heroically labouring away. Profiting by the rolling of the
_Vengeur_, they frequently drove home the quoins and depressed the
muzzles of the guns, which were loaded with two round-shot, and then
before the next discharge withdrew the quoins and pointed the muzzles
upwards, thus alternately firing into her opponent's bottom and ripping
up her decks. While, however, they were hurling destruction into the
side of the enemy below, the French musketry was sweeping the
quarterdeck, forecastle, and poop, whence, in consequence, it was
scarcely possible to work the guns. Several times, also, she had been
on fire from the wadding which came blazing on board.

The brave Captain Harvey, on passing along the deck, was knocked down by
a splinter; but, though seriously injured, he was quickly on his legs
again encouraging his men. Soon afterwards, however, the crown of a
double-headed shot, which had split, struck his right arm and shattered
it to fragments. He fell into the arms of some of those standing round.

"Stay a moment before you take me below!" he exclaimed, believing that
he was mortally wounded. "Persevere, my brave lads, in your duty.
Continue the action with spirit, for the honour of our King and country;
and remember my last word, `_The colours of the Brunswick shall never be
struck_!'"

Hearty shouts answered this heroic address, and the crew set to work
with renewed energy to compel their opponents to succumb. Never,
perhaps, however, were two braver men than the Captains of the
_Brunswick_ and _Vengeur_ opposed to each other, and their spirits
undoubtedly animated their crews. If the British had resolved to
conquer, the French had determined not to yield as long as their ship
remained afloat.

Still it appeared doubtful which would come off the victor. At this
crisis, for an instant, as the smoke cleared off, another line-of-battle
ship was seen approaching the _Brunswick_. If a Frenchman, all on board
saw it would go hard with her. Still they determined not to disappoint
their Captain's hopes, and to go down with their colours flying rather
than strike.

The command had now devolved on Lieutenant Cracraft. For three hours
the two ships had been locked in their fiery e