“What are the fellows about!” he exclaimed.
“It may have been let off by mistake,” observed Adair.
“That was not let off by mistake, though,” exclaimed Murray, as a shot from a second gun whistled close under the stern, followed immediately by another, which, however, passed ahead.
“Beat to quarters,” cried Murray, “the fellows mean mischief.”
Scarcely had the first roll of the drum sounded than the eager crew sprang to their guns.
Jack imitated his example; both vessels opened their broadsides, firing shot and shell as fast as their guns could be brought to bear.
The fort, meantime, fired showers of grape, canister, and round shot.
“This is hotter work than we met with up the Saint Juan; I did not expect such fun,” exclaimed Desmond.
“We had only muskets, and we have now got big guns to pay back the compliments we receive,” observed Archy, who was standing near him.
“Yes, but the enemy have stone walls, instead of timber stockades to protect them,” said Desmond; “it’s very good fun, though.”