But the distance between the vessel and the shore was considerable, and the events we have recounted were quickly enacted; so that before the boats had proceeded half the distance the fight was nearly over, and the settlement seemed about to be overwhelmed.
These facts were not lost upon the first lieutenant of the _Talisman_, Mr.Mulroy, who, with telescope in hand, watched the progress of the fight with great anxiety.

He saw that it was impossible for the boats to reach the shore in time to render efficient aid.

He also observed that a fresh band of savages were hastening to reinforce their comrades, and that the united band would be so overpoweringly strong as to render the chances of a successful resistance on the part of the settlers very doubtful indeed--almost hopeless.
In these circumstances he adopted a course which was as bold as it was dangerous.

Observing that the savages mustered for the final onset in a dense mass on an eminence which just raised their heads a little above those of the party they were about to attack, he at once loaded three of the largest guns with round shot and pointed, them at the mass of human beings with the utmost possible care.

There was the greatest danger of hitting friends instead of foes; but Mr.Mulroy thought it his duty to incur the responsibility of running the risk.
Montague, to whom the command of the band of united settlers had been given by general consent, had thrown them rapidly into some sort of order, and was about to give the word to charge, when the savage host suddenly began to pour down the hill with frantic yells.
Mulroy did not hear the shouts, but he perceived the movement.