The two vessels grated against each other, and as they did so the British fired their pistols right in the faces of the Americans.
Through the powder smoke the flash of steel could be seen, and like Trojans the two crews fought.
The men cut and slashed with their cutlasses, and fired off their pistols with deadly earnestness.
Marksmen posted in the tops of each vessel picked off men from the enemy's decks whenever an opportunity offered.
The captain of the Regina saw his men driven back, and sprang into the thickest of the fight to rally them.
As he did so it was seen that the blood was streaming from a wound in his thigh.
While every one felt sympathy with the brave man, yet that did not deter any from continuing the fight.
Harry Vernon sprang forward to meet his rival.
Their swords crossed, and the crews seemed to involuntarily fall back, as though to give the men a chance to fight a duel.
Vernon was in full vigor, and had not received a scratch.