ttle," thought Paul, as,
accompanying the boy Tom Buckle, he ran down to the magazine. In a
moment, sickness, fatigue, and fear were banished. He was the
true-hearted English Boy, and he felt as brave as he could wish, and
regardless of danger. Paul knew he was doing his duty. His tub was
quickly filled, and he was soon again at Reuben's gun, behind which he
was told to sit--one of a row of boys employed in the same manner. Many
of his companions were laughing and joking, as if nothing unusual was
occurring, or as if it was impossible that a shot could find them out.

Paul was now, for the first time, able to make inquiries as to the state
of affairs. Reuben told him that, at about midnight, the lights of two
ships had been seen. It was possible that they might be those of the
look-out frigates of an enemy's squadron, at the same time as they might
be British, and as Captain Walford had resolved that nothing should
drive him back, the _Cerberus_ was kept on her course. Whatever they
were, the strangers seemed determined to become better acquainted. As
they drew nearer, signals were exchanged; but those of the stranger's
were not understood. The drum on this beat to quarters, and the ship
was prepared for battle. The two ships approached, and soon gave the
_Cerberus_ a taste of their quality by pouring their broadsides into
her; but, in consequence of the heavy sea which was then running, very
few of their shot had taken effect. Two, however, which had struck her
hull, had passed through the bulwarks and killed two of her men, whose
bodies now lay stark and stiff on the main-deck, near where they had
stood as their mates were now standing, full of life and manly strength.
Paul's eyes fell on them. It was the first time he had seen death in
its most hideous form. He shuddered and turned sick. Reuben observed
the direction in which his glance was turned.

"Paul, my lad, you mustn't think of them now," he cried out. "They've
done their duty like men, and it's our business to try to do ours.
We've got some pretty sharp work before us; but it's my belief that
we'll beat off our enemies, or take one or both of them, maybe. Hurrah!
lads. That's what we've got to do."

The crews of the guns within hearing uttered a cheerful response. "All
ready!"

"Let 'em come on!"

"The more the merrier!"

"We'll give 'em more than we'll take!"

These, and similar expressions, were heard from the seamen, while now
a