The ship's company were employed in stretching a sail over the bow, evidently for the purpose of stopping in whole or partially a dangerous leak in that part of the vessel; and she seemed to be in immediate peril of going to the bottom.
They were also getting their boats ready, and the situation must have been critical.

In a short time the Chateaugay was within hailing distance of her prize.
"Dornoch, ahoy!" shouted Captain Chantor, mounted on the port rail.

"Do you surrender ?" "I do," replied Captain Rombold; for Christy recognized his voice.

"Our ship is sinking!" By this time the havoc made by the big gun of the Chateaugay could be seen and estimated.

The bow of the steamer had been nearly all shot away.