[Illustration: THE “CONSTITUTION” TAKING THE “CYANE”] At thirty-five minutes past six the enemy’s fire again slackened, and the headmost ship was discovered bearing up. Now the _Constitution_ reversed her tactics, shot ahead, crossed the first vessel’s stern and raked her fearfully, sailed about the stern most and raked her also; then, ranging up within hail on the larboard quarter, she prepared for another broadside, when the last ship fired a lee gun and remained silent. At ten minutes of seven Stewart lowered his boat and took possession of His Majesty’s ship _Cyane_, mounting 34 guns, commanded by Captain Gordon Falcon. The moon had risen by this time; the smoke had cleared away, and it was seen that the other ship was trying her best to get away to a place of safety. Seeing this, at once the _Constitution_ spread all sail in chase, and gallantly the smaller vessel, finding escape impossible, stood back close-hauled to meet her. They crossed on opposite tacks, and the _Constitution_ wore immediately under the enemy’s stern and raked her with a broadside. Again the Englishman spread all sail, and endeavored to escape by running free. The _Constitution_ broke out her lighter sail in chase, firing well-directed shots from her starboard bowchaser. At ten, seeing she could not escape, the English vessel fired a gun, struck her colors, and yielded. She proved to be His Majesty’s ship the _Levant_, mounting 21 guns, Captain George Douglass. Before midnight Stewart had manned both his prizes, repaired his rigging, shifted his sails, and had his vessel in as good condition as before the encounter. The _Cyane_ was a ship that had made a reputation for herself in the war with France. She was one of the crack sloops of war in the English service. Only a year before she had engaged a French 44-gun frigate, and kept her at bay until help came in the shape of a seventy-four. Her commander was so crestfallen at having to surrender that when he came aboard a prisoner he hardly recognized Stewart’s courteous greetings and compliments. Down in the cabin of the _Constitution_ a little scene was enacted that must have been dramatic. Captain Douglass and Captain Falcon were treated as honored guests by Captain Stewart, and over their wine at dinner the day after the capture the two Englishmen indulged in a dispute, each placing the responsibility for the defeat upon the other’s shoulders. Stewart listened without comment for some minutes, and then rising, gravely said, “Gentlemen, there is only one way that I see to decide this question--to put you both on your ships again, give you back your crews, and try it over.” Either the humor or the force of this remark must have struck each one of his late antagonists, for they ceased their bickering at once.