All hands were called and sent to quarters and both broadsides were loaded with grape and round shot for close action.
When the enemy bore down within easy hailing distance, he asked through his trumpet:
“What ship is that and where away?”
“This is the Privateer Holker, sir,” replied Captain Risk.
“You better haul down those colors, or I’ll blow you to smithereens,” returned the man-o-war’s man.
“Not yet, my hearty. Fire away, Flannagan,” shouted Captain Risk to the Englishman.
“Now then, let them have it, my lads!” commanded the privateersman sharply.
The bright moonlight afforded good aim and the execution of the broadside spread consternation among the enemy and cut into his foreshrouds.
The enemy’s broadside flew high, and cut into the Holker’s rigging as the ship rolled, with no serious damage.
The Holker’s crew now braced in their yards and shot under the stern of the enemy, who had to come about on the starboard tack to ease his injured shrouds.