These, taken by surprise, and paralyzed by the great sheet of flame which was already licking the wooden ceiling, recoiled.

Some were cut down as they stood.

Others were hurled aside.

Two or three fell before the dirks of the midshipmen, and in a few seconds the little party had burst through the crowd of their assailants, and had gained the door of the room.

Here the Englishman and one of the French officers turned and made a stand, in order to give the midshipmen time to assist their badly-wounded comrade down the narrow stairs, and to open the door of the house.