Only the Admiral remained, who scorned to yield, although his forces had thus basely deserted him.

His ship, the 'Inquisition,' for such was her insolent appellation, was far the largest and best manned of both the fleets.

Most of the enemy had gone in pursuit of the fugitives, but four vessels of inferior size had attacked the 'Inquisition' at the commencement of the action.

Of these, one had soon been silenced, while the other three had grappled themselves inextricably to her sides and prow.

The four drifted together, before wind and tide, a severe and savage action going on incessantly, during which the navigation of the ships was entirely abandoned.