The topmen, commanded by skillful middies, tried in vain to clear away the wreck.
The Britishers cheered, and sang "God Save the King!"
The Americans, though getting the worst of the fight, shouted out the chorus of "Yankee Doodle."
But when the third broadside fired by the Frolic tore away the Wasp's gaff and main topgallant mast, it looked as though Jones would lose the battle, and have to strike his flag.
Not far away the Lively Bee was watching the encounter.
The privateer did not wish to interfere unless the Wasp was in actual danger, for Captain Vernon had his eyes on one of the merchantmen, which he hoped to secure as a prize.
To an onlooker it appeared that the British had received no damage.
The Frolic fired when on the crest of the wave and thus tore away its adversary's rigging, while the Wasp waited until in the trough of the sea.
The American's shot was aimed at the hull instead of the rigging.
While the fight was raging the two vessels got close together and fouled.