A second and a third discharge followed, and then came solid shot, sixty-four pounders, howling like demons over the boys' heads, and plowing the water all around them.

Their speed quickly took them out of range, however, and the firing ceased.
They now had time to look about them and estimate damages.

None of the solid shot had taken effect, but three of the grape shot had struck the boat, greatly marring her beauty, but doing her no serious damage.
"Are any of you hurt ?" asked Sam.

All the boys reported themselves well.
"Then make a place for me in the middle of the boat, where I can lie down," replied Sam, "I'm wounded." "Where ?" "How ?" "Not badly, I hope, Sam ?" the boys answered quickly.
"I'm hurt in two places.

They shot me as we ran over that boat," said Sam, "but not very badly, I think.