96 
THE SEA-SERPENT. 
" IV. 
Meanwhile, the yachts were standing on, when, 
bearing down from Ten-Pound Island, they saw 
(the breeze was nearly gone) a sight that made 
some sigh for dry land. It was the serpent, 
fiercely raging. On he came, with mighty 
strength ; you ’d hardly call his air engaging, 
if you should see him at full length. On he 
came ; Hunt’s orders ran swift through the fleet 
and o’er the waters, — u The world expects no 
valiant man will ever give that monster quar¬ 
ters.” E % ach yacht for action clears her deck ; 
Hunt gets his best bow-chasers ready ; he 
thinks a little grape might check his Snake- 
ship, if both true and steady. Like Bragg, the 
iron shower they pour, and give him still u a 
little more.” See, from the Hope a smoky 
wreath is curling round her arrowy prow, and 
gleams the flashing fire beneath ; the ball is 
fairly opened now! Just o’er his head those 
grape-shot swept, and one just grazed him near 
his mane ; — at this in terror up he leapt, some 
