Newton fired before Roberts was ready.

The topsail-sheet of the schooner was divided by the shot, and the sail flew out before the yard.
"That's a good two cables' length in our favour," cried Roberts.

"Now for me." Roberts fired his gun, and was more fortunate; his shot struck away the fore-top-gallant-mast, while the royal and top-gallant sail fell before the topsail.
"Well done, my little piece of brass!" said Roberts, slapping the gun familiarly on the breech; "only get us out of our scrape, and I'll polish you as bright as silver!" Whether the gun understood him or not, or, what is more probable, the short distance between the brig and the privateer made it more effective, more mischief took place in the sails and rigging of the schooner.

Her topsail-sheet was, however, soon rebent, the sail reset, and her other casualties made good.

She ceased firing her long gun, and at dusk had crept up to within a quarter of a mile, and commenced a heavy fire of musketry upon the brig.
"This is rather warm work," observed Williams at the helm, pointing to a bullet-hole through his jacket.
"Rather too warm," observed Collins, the convict.