The situation was critical; but was saved by Captain Ordronaux by a desperate expedient, and one which it is clear would have availed nothing had not his men known him for a man of fierce determination, ready to fulfil any desperate threat.

Seizing a lighted match from one of the gunners, he ran to the hatch immediately over the magazine, and called out to his men that if they retreated farther he would blow up the ship, its defenders, and its assailants.

The men rallied.

They swung a cannon in board so that it commanded the deck, and swept away the invaders with a storm of grape.

In a few minutes the remaining British were driven back to their boats.