Captain Hull gesticulated with such violence that the tight breeches of his naval uniform split from hip to knee.
The effect of the broadside on the Guerriere was terrific.
The Britisher reeled and trembled as though in the throes of a mighty earthquake.
With a tremendous crash the mizzen-mast was shot away.
In a few moments Captain Dacres was told that the cockpit was filled with wounded men.
The conflict was furious.
There was no more delay.
The firing was incessant.
Stripped to the waist, and covered with the stains of powder and of blood, the gunners pulled fiercely at the gun-tackle, and wielded the rammers with frantic energy.
Then the match was applied.