But attack now seemed to be far from the intentions of the enemy; they had delivered their assault, and with patient energy they kept on pertinaciously bearing more and more faggots to the pile, even when the task had become unnecessary. For the great sheets of flame curved over the bulwarks, and the unfortunate defenders had the mortification of seeing that the boards and planks, all carefully nailed up under the mate’s directions, were so much inflammable matter to feed the flames, which began to roar now like a furnace, as the bowsprit, with its well tarred ropes and stays, caught, and the figure-head and fore part of the vessel were well alight.
“On’y one thing’d save her now, Billy,” said Smith, coolly.
“What’s that, mate, blowin’ of her up?”
“Nay, a good header into a big wave.”
He was quite right, for moment by moment the furnace-like heat increased, and the fire could be seen burning slowly up the stays toward the fore mast, with drops of burning tar beginning to rain down on the deck.
“Anyone got anything down below he wants to save?” cried one of the men, as they were gradually beaten back, and there was a movement towards the forecastle hatch.
“Stop!” shouted Oliver. “Are you all mad? The cabin there is in a blaze.”
It was too true; the forepart of the brig was well alight now, and the flames eating their way slowly and steadily toward the stern.
“Be ready, all of you,” said Oliver, the next minute.
“What are you going to do?” asked Panton.