But they had shouted too soon.
A well-aimed shot cut away the mizzenmast, which fell alongside, suspended by the cordage.
"Hurrah, Jack Creamer!" shouted a captain of a gun to the lad, whose face was as black as the ace of spades, from the powder and smoke.
"Huzza, cap'n!" responded Jack. "You've made a brig of her."
Captain Decatur heard the boy's remark and added cheerily:
"Ay, ay, my lad! Now let the next shot make a sloop of her."
Decatur was everywhere.
His activity was almost marvelous.
It seemed almost impossible that one man could accomplish so much and continue to be so cheerful.
"Ay, I guess it would do her good," he said, as he saw a gunner look along his gun.