Fortunately they were now almost out of sight, and although the forts threw up rockets to light the bay, and joined their fire to that of the field guns, the boat escaped untouched.
"Thank God we are out of that!" Mr.Hethcote said, as the fire ceased and the boats headed for a light hung up to direct then.
"Have you many hurt, Mr.Pascoe ?" "I'm afraid, sir, Mr.Pascoe is either killed or badly wounded.

He is lying against me, and gives no answer when I speak to him." "Any one else hurt ?" Mr.Hethcote asked in a moment.
The men exchanged a few words among themselves.
"There are five down in the bottom of the boat, sir, and six or seven of us have been hit more or less." "It's a bad business," Mr.Hethcote said.

"I have two killed and three wounded here.

Are you hit yourself, Mr.Archer ?" "I've got a queer sensation in my arm, sir, and don't seem able to use it, so I suppose I am, but I don't think it's much." "Pull away, lads," Mr.Hethcote said shortly.

"Show a light there in the bow to the steamer." The light was answered by a sharp whistle, and they heard the beat of the paddles of the "Falcon" as she came down towards them, and five minutes later the boats were hoisted to the davits.