The Wasp was soon silenced by the vigorous shelling of the _Bellerophon_; and Sir Edmund, freed from the annoyance it had caused, with unabated courage hurled his fire at his huge antagonist. The _Bellerophon_, however, suffered fearfully. A shell from the Russian batteries exploded in the fore part of the ship, and set fire to the lower deck. For a few moments it seemed as if unavoidable destruction was the fate of the gallant crew. The firing was suspended, and all hands rushed forward to endeavour to extinguish the flames. In this endeavour they were successful; but then a new mischance awaited them. The anchor had dragged on the bottom, and they were fast drifting towards the shoals beneath the forts, where they would have lain a helpless target for the Russian guns. In this emergency, the _Spitfire_, seeing the critical position of the larger vessel, dashed in, took her in tow, and safely brought her, though much damaged, out of the action. The “saucy _Arethusa_,” and her little companion in arms, the _Triton_ steamer, which, lashed to the larger vessel, had boldly entered into the thick of the fight, bore a full share of the damage done that day. As they arrived within the range of the fire, the small steamer, which was then exposed, received a volley. Then, hauling round, the broadside of the frigate was presented to the forts, and the _Triton_ was, to some degree, sheltered by the larger hull of her consort. The sailors from the steamer hastened on board the _Arethusa_, to assist in manning her guns, and a glorious broadside was hurled at the Russian fort. Every shot vibrated through the _Triton_, so great was the recoil of the frigate’s guns. Broadside after broadside was gallantly delivered, and as promptly replied to by the cannon of the fort. Down went the rigging of the _Arethusa_, ropes hanging in tangled masses from her yards, and not unfrequent shots striking her hull. Some passed beyond the frigate, and soon the _Triton’s_ gear aloft, and fallen gaffs, stays, and shrouds attested the severity of the enemy’s fire. Two shots struck the paddle-wheel, and the commander and carpenter’s mate were wounded by a shell while examining the extent of damage done. At length the _Arethusa_, nearly sinking, her decks covered with fallen rigging, her cockpit crowded with bleeding men, was compelled to relinquish the contest. The _Triton_ gallantly towed her out of range, but in the act, a raking fire of shells was poured upon the deck, killing and wounding all within range of their explosion. With twenty-two holes in her funnel, she contrived to tow the frigate to Constantinople, to be docked for repairs, so extensive were her injuries.