The boat passed two or three hundred yards astern of the lugger, sailed a little farther; and then, when able to lay her course for the schooner, went about and bore down towards her.

Just as they did so, the halliards of the schooner's mainsail were shot asunder, and the sail ran down the mast.

There was a shout of triumph from the lugger, and she at once closed in towards her crippled adversary.
"They are going to try and carry the schooner by boarding," Terence exclaimed.

"Keep her as close as she will go, Dick," and, seizing his oar again, he began to row with all his might.
By the time they came up, the two vessels were side by side.

The guns had ceased their fire, but there was a rattle of pistol shots, mingled with the clash of arms and the shouts of the combatants.
Running up to the schooner's side, Terence and Ryan clambered on the channel and sprung on to the deck of the schooner.
A desperate fight was going on forward, where the two vessels touched each other.