“You can do no more, Belton,” said Mr Dallas. “I don’t want to discourage you, but without help from sea we can only manage to hold out as long as possible, and give the enemy a tough job, for Old England’s sake. Are the colours flying well?”
“Yes, sir, splendidly.”
“That’s right, then. Now, one word of advice; don’t fire a shot at the frigate. With your two guns you can do her very little harm. Save your powder for the boats—round shot when they are coming to the shore, and grape as they are landing. Keep your men cool, and only let them fire when there is a good chance.”
Bang!
The first shot from seaward followed by a crash, and the sound of stones falling as the frigate tried her range, and sent a heavy ball against the side of the gap.
“Did not know she was so near,” said the lieutenant.
“But about you, sir? Shall I have you carried up to the flagstaff?”
“Certainly not, my lad, never mind me. Go and do your duty. God save the King!”
“God save the King!” echoed Syd, as he shook hands with the lieutenant, and hurried down to the little battery, to find that the frigate had drawn as close in as she could, but dared not come right in front of the gap, for her boat out sounding had discovered a reef right opposite. So after firing a few shots obliquely, all of which struck the north side of the gap, she made sail and went round to the other side of the reef, where disappointment again awaited her captain; for here again he could only fire obliquely, and send the stones rattling down on the south side of the gap.
But he went on firing for about an hour before shifting his position once more, and then feeling his way in exactly opposite, but quite out of range.