Page:Final French Struggles in India and on the Indian Seas.djvu/168

140 then endeavoured to maintain this position until day should break, keeping up communication with the Boadicea by means of night signals. At three o'clock in the morning, however, — the Boadicea being then from four to five miles astern of her consort, — a sudden breeze caught the sails of the Africaine, and carried her, not without her commander's consent, within less than musket-shot distance on the weather quarter of the Astrée. Captain Corbet, who commanded the English frigate, could not resist the temptation, but at once fired into the enemy. The Astrée immediately replied. The second broadside from the Astrée severely wounded Captain Corbet, but his place was taken by the first lieutenant, and the action was continued for ten minutes with great spirit. By that time the Iphigénie had time to come to the aid of her consort. Whilst the Astrée continued within pistol-shot on the larboard beam of the English frigate, the Iphigénie came close up on her starboard bow and raked her several times.

A contest so unequal could not long continue. Yet one hour elapsed before the gallant crew of the Africaine would confess themselves conquered; and even then it was not till 163 of their number had been killed and wounded.

But the interlude was not yet over. Commodore Rowley of the Boadicea noticed at break of day that the Africaine had been captured. He did not at once attempt to disturb her conquerors, but made way towards the Otter and Staunch. Having joined these he set out