Yardarm laid to yardarm, and at that very moment the Americans poured in a terrific broadside.
The guns were not half loaded, for so close were the vessels that in loading the rammers were shoved right against the side of the Frolic.
The men grew almost frantic with excitement.
They shouted and sang, they cursed the Britishers, and reviled the Union Jack.
The gunners of the Frolic had no time to return the last broadside, for their ship swung around so that her bow lay against the Wasp's quarter.
"Give 'em a volley!" cried Captain Jones as he just escaped losing his head from the swinging of the Frolic's bowsprit over the quarterdeck.
Not only one, but a second volley was fired, and the deck of the enemy seemed to be swept clean.
Then the Americans shouted and cheered.
"Let us board her!" they cried.