It is impossible to hope any longer to reach Leghorn, but my ship I am determined they shall not have." So saying, he gave orders to the first lieutenant, and the vessel's head was suddenly turned straight toward the shore.

The French, astonished at so desperate a course, did not venture to follow her, and the Resolution threaded her way through the dangerous reefs till at last she brought up with a sudden crash which sent her tottering mainmast over the side.
The French advanced cautiously until nearing the reefs, and then opened a distant fire, which the Resolution did not return.

The captain ordered the exhausted crew from their guns, a strong allowance of grog was served out, and after a meal the men felt again ready for work.

Jack and his companion were at dinner with the captain, when the officer in charge of the deck reported that the French ships were lowering their boats.
"Let the men rest as long as possible, Mr.Darwin, but when you see the boats fairly on their way toward us beat to quarters." A few minutes later the roll of the drums was heard.

"Now, gentlemen, we will go on deck," the captain said, "since they will not let us alone.
But if their ships could not take us I do not think that their boats will have much chance." Dusk was closing in when they went on deck and saw all the boats of the six French men of war, crowded with men, rowing in a line toward them.
The captain gave the order for the men to load with grape.