The crowd surged back and forth and became mixed in inextricable confusion.

One of the Turks saw a chance to help his captain and made a vicious blow at his opponent with his scimiter.
Reuben James, a sailor, who was so wounded in his arms that he could not use them, thrust his head forward and received the stroke upon his skull.

The wound was a frightful one, but, beyond dispute, it saved the life of Decatur, who never forgot the man that had done him this inestimable service.
Reuben James was one of the volunteers who helped Decatur destroy the _Philadelphia_.

He recovered from his terrible wound and did excellent service in the war of 1812.

In one battle he was three times wounded before he would allow his comrades to carry him below.