FOOTNOTES:
[5] Fact.
CHAPTER XIV.
Sir Sidney Smith, having pulled back to the Vengeance, found our hero busily engaged routing out all the shot that could be found; but, to their exceeding surprise and vexation, not more than three or four pounds could be discovered.
“This is very unfortunate, Thornton,” said Sir Sidney. “However, get under weigh, for, by Jove, I perceive a large lugger coming out, no doubt to attack us.”
Our hero accordingly got the lugger under sail, though, as the wind blew, and with the strong flood tide making, there was very little prospect of reaching the Diamond, though they did not perceive it at the time, so very much engaged were they. Captain Baptiste Gaudet, the late skipper of the Vengeance, who was put ashore with his crew, seeing the way the wind and tide set, manned two large boats, with their crews well armed, and pulled out for the lugger, to recapture her. In the meantime, several shots from the shore reached the vessel. All, on board, however, were prepared for a desperate resistance. As the enemy came up, a continued discharge of musketry took place from both vessels, but the lugger discharged her four-pounders rammed full of grape into the Vengeance, wounding several of the men, and a young midshipman named Beecroft. This gallant young lad refused to leave the deck, merely tying a handkerchief over the wound.
“I fear, Thornton,” said Sir Sidney, stooping to pick up his hat, which a musket ball had knocked off, “I fear we shall have to give in, or needlessly sacrifice our brave fellows; there are four dead already, and I see those boats coming up are full of men.”
“I wish most devoutly, Sir Sidney,” said William Thornton, anxiously gazing seaward, “that you had not turned back, the consequence would then have been as nothing. Your capture would be a terrible blow to the service.”
There was no time for words, for a furious fire commenced with musketry from the boats from the crew of the Vengeance, who came alongside, scrambled up over the quarters with loud cries and shouts.