CHAPTER V.
A Daring Attempt by Captain Paul Jones--Why It Failed--A Bold Scheme--Why It Did Not Succeed--The Fight Between the _Ranger_ and _Drake_.
Paul Jones waited until midnight.

Then, when no one was dreaming of danger, his men silently pulled away from the _Ranger_ in two boats, one commanded by himself and the other by Lieutenant Wallingford.

It was a long pull, and when they reached the outer pier of the harbor it was beginning to grow light in the east.

They now parted company, and Jones directed his men to row for the south side of the harbor, while the Lieutenant was to make for the north shore.

The object of the two was the same: the burning of the shipping.
Wallingford reached the north side, and then, strangely enough, gave up the attempt, his reason being that the candle on which he counted to start the fire was blown out.