If they haven't set her afire!"
It was as Tim said. A cloud of black smoke was rising from the Dutch
fifty-gun frigate. A wild yell of triumph broke from the Mahrattas.
The fire of their guns upon her redoubled, while that from the
man-of-war died away, as the crew were called off to assist in
extinguishing the flames. Now the smaller boats pressed still more
closely round her, and a rain of missiles was poured through the open
ports. Several times the Mahrattas climbed on board, but each time
were driven out again. The smoke rose thicker and thicker, and tongues
of flame could be seen shooting up.
"She is doomed," Charlie exclaimed. "Even if unmolested, the crew
could not extinguish the fire, now. It has got too much hold.
"Ah! The other frigate is on fire now."
Fresh yells of triumph rose from the Mahrattas. On board the sloop
every sail was hoisted, in spite of the continued fire of muskets and
arrows, which killed many of the sailors employed. The Jupitre,
however, ran alongside her and grappled with her, and a furious combat
could be seen proceeding on the decks. Meanwhile, the flames mounted
higher and higher on board the two frigates. The crew now could be
seen leaping overboard from the ports, choosing any death rather than
that by fire.
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