The first of the merchantmen was entering the Thames.
"Better get back to the fo'c's'le, Jemmy, and entrench yourself."
Captain Runacles nodded. "And you?" he asked.
"Oh, I'm going down to the cabin--first of all." Captain Runacles
nodded again. They looked straight into each other's eyes, shook
hands, and parted.
It was obvious that the men of the _Merry Maid_ could no longer keep
the deck. She was hemmed in on every side and it only remained to
board her.
Twenty-five grenadiers from each galley were ordered upon this
service. Those of _La Merveille_ were the first to start and they
swarmed over the stern without opposition. But no sooner were they
crowded upon the frigate's deck than a volley of musketry mowed them
down. Captain Runacles and his heroes then ran back and entrenched
themselves in the forecastle; and to advance to close the hatchway
was certain death. Nor were they forced to surrender until long
after the English flag was hauled down: and, indeed, were only
silenced when M. de la Pailletine hit on the happy idea of setting
fifty men to work with axes to lay open the frigate's deck. A score
and a half of men were lost over this piece of work. However, the
forecastle was carried at last by means of it; and the prisoners were
brought on deck--among them Captain Runacles, with his right hand
disabled.
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