The alarm had been given.

Men were running to and fro, and a number hurried toward the burning ship with the purpose of extinguishing the flames.

All the Americans had entered the small boat and were impatiently awaiting their commander.

Instead of joining them, Jones drew his pistol, and, standing alone in front of the crowd, kept them back until the fire burst out of the steerage and began running up the rigging.

Backing slowly with drawn pistol, he stepped into the boat and told his men to row with might and main for the vessel.
The instant this was done the crowd rushed forward and by desperate efforts succeeded in putting out the blaze before it had done much damage.