From below came the gunner's mate to report himself ready for action on the main-deck and to receive his orders.
Came another shot from the Spaniard, again across the bows of the Swallow.
"'Tis a clear invitation to heave to," said Sir Oliver.
The skipper snarled in his fiery beard.

"She has a longer range than most Spaniards," said he.

"But I'll not waste powder yet for all that.
We've none to spare." Scarcely had he spoken when a third shot boomed.

There was a splintering crash overhead followed by a sough and a thud as the maintopmast came hurtling to the deck and in its fall stretched a couple of men in death.
Battle was joined, it seemed.

Yet Captain Leigh did nothing in a hurry.
"Hold there!" he roared to the gunner who swung his linstock at that moment in preparation.
She was losing way as a result of that curtailment of her mainmast, and the Spaniard came on swiftly now.