Often the protruding muzzles of the guns touched the side of the opposing ship. And when the guns were run in for loading the sailors would rush to the open ports with muskets and pistols, and try to pick off some of the enemy.
Suddenly there was an alarming cry, which rose above all others and entirely overpowered them.
"Fire! Fire!"
Every one was horrified.
A sailor is more horrified at that cry than any other which can be heard at sea.
He would rather be clinging to a mast in the open ocean than stand on the deck of a stanch ship, if her hold was on fire!
Flames were seen coming from the windows of the cabin, which lay directly beneath the Guerriere's bow guns.
While the shots were raking the decks, and every moment the crew anticipated having to fight hand-to-hand, man to man, not one felt any fear.
But when that cry of fire was raised, and the flames seen, there was not a sailor or marine but trembled.