Ten minutes later, the _Victory_ broke the enemy’s line to the northward, and was soon receiving the fire of no fewer than six ships. The incessant discharges were murderous, and men fell quickly. With upwards of fifty killed and wounded, and her sails torn into ribbons, the _Victory_ still drove through the enemy, completely breaking up their trim array; her example being followed by each man-of-war as it came up. The battle was at its fiercest when the _Victory_ came into collision with the _Redoubtable_, which she engaged with her starboard guns, while she directed her larboard on the _Bucentaure_ and _Trinidad_. A constant rattle of musketry was maintained from the tops of the _Redoubtable_, which were filled with soldiers. In a few minutes the dead encumbered the gangways and quarter-deck of the _Victory_, while her cockpit was filled with wounded. Meantime, Nelson and Hardy continued to pace to and fro along a space of deck not more than seven yards in length; and at about twenty-five minutes past one, just as they had reached within a pace of the regular turning-point, Nelson, who was on the larboard side, faced about, and, before Hardy could support him, fell. “They have done for me at last, Hardy!” he exclaimed. “I hope not,” answered the captain. “Yes; my backbone is shot through.” A musket-ball from the mizzen-top of the _Redoubtable_ had entered his left shoulder through the fore part of the epaulet, and descending, lodged in the spine. He was removed to the cockpit, and examined by the surgeons. The wound was mortal. All was done that could be done to alleviate his sufferings; and he lingered until half-past four, when, murmuring, “Thank God, I have done my duty!” the greatest seaman of this or any age passed away. And passed away in the arms of victory. His daring manœuvre had been completely successful; and out of the formidable fleet which represented the united power of France and Spain, nineteen men-of-war were captured. Trafalgar gave the supremacy of the sea to Great Britain. * * * * * Gibraltar--Trafalgar! These are names which will stir the heart of every Englishman, so long as patriotism is recognized as a virtue,--so long as England’s sons continue to cherish England’s honour. * * * * * Art Gift-Books _An entirely New Series of First-Class and richly Illustrated Books on Nature and Natural History._ THE BIRD WORLD--DESCRIBED WITH PEN AND PENCIL. By W. H. DAVENPORT ADAMS, Author of “The Arctic World,” &c. Beautifully Illustrated with Fifty-one Full-page and upwards of One Hundred other Engravings, from designs by GIACOMELLI, and engraved by Rouget, Berveiller, Méaulle, Sargent, Whymper, and Morison. Imperial 8vo, cloth, full gilt side, and gilt edges. Price 10s. 6d.