Aboard the schooner, the unexpected attack produced panic. The crew ran back and forth in consternation and the smoke grew denser.
"Louis Pierre!" called out Giacinto in ferocious joy, "I see Volpetti aboard."
The Polipheme's second discharge broke the mizzen mast, which, falling, caught beneath it two of the sailors. The smoke rose in great columns and 'twas impossible to see what further happened.
"Where are we?" asked Soliviac of the pilot.
"Opposite the isle of Jersey, but nearer the shore than they. Those who count on swimming ashore have slim chance."
"Keep an eye on the skiffs," called the captain. "Now they are trying to save themselves."
Red tongues of flame shot out amid the smoke. The captain commanded.
"Another salute! Let water in to quench their fire."
Again the cannons' load was poured into the schooner's side. She attempted no defence, for all her energy was directed to fighting the fire aboard. One of the Polipheme's balls went into her bow, and the water roared through the aperture.
"Now she goes to the bottom!" shouted Giacinto, wild with joy.