The Foxhound’s guns again thundered forth, and directly after there came the crashing sound of shot, rending the stout sides of the ship.
For several minutes the roar was incessant. Presently a cheer was heard from the deck.
One of the Frenchman’s masts had gone over the side; but before many minutes had elapsed, a crashing sound overhead showed that the Foxhound had been equally unfortunate.
Her foremast had been shot away by the board, carrying with it the bowsprit and maintopmast.
She was thus rendered almost unmanageable, but still her brave captain maintained the unequal contest.
The guns, as they could be brought to bear, were fired at the enemy with such effect that she was compelled to sheer off to repair damages.
On seeing this, the crew of the Foxhound gave another hearty cheer; but ere the sound had died away, down came the mainmast, followed by the mizenmast, and the frigate lay an almost helpless hulk on the water.
Captain Waring at once gave the order to clear the wreck, intending to get up jury-masts, so as to be in a condition to renew the combat should the French ship again attack them.
All hands were thus busily employed. The powder in the meantime was returned to the magazine, and the guns run in and secured.
The ship was in a critical condition.