five o'clock
She had the advantage in number of guns , certainly ; but our large shots from the long gun were more destructive . About three we knocked away her fore-topmast , which enabled us to shoot ahead about a quarter of a mile , and increase our distance , which was a boon to us , for we latterly had suffered very much . We had eight men wounded and one of my poor middies killed ; and we had received several shots in the hull . Now that we had increased our distance , we had a better chance , as our long gun was more effective than those of the brig. At five o'clock it fell dead calm , and both vessels lay with their heads round the compass ; this was also in our favour , as we could train our long gun on its circular bend in any direction we pleased ; but the brig contrived , by getting sweeps out of her bow ports , to bring her broadside to bear upon us , and the action continued till night closed in . As it may be supposed , my men were completely worn out with the fatigue and excitement of the day ; and Cross said , `` There 's no saying how this will end , Mr Keene ; but , at all events , we have not the worst of it at present . '' `` No , Bob , '' replied I. `` I wish the men were not so knocked up . '' `` Oh , as for that , sir , I 'll answer for it , that if you serve out some more grog , make them eat half a biscuit at the tub before they drink it , and make them a little bit of a speech , that they 'll go on for twenty-four hours more . ''