He had on board a Marblehead sailor, Captain William Orne, who had been captured some days before. "Orne, tell me," said the captain of the man-of-war, when the American was first sighted, "what think you of yon ship?" "An American frigate, sir." "Do you think so? It seems to me she is too bold." "No, sir. No American can be anything else but bold in this contest," replied Orne. "I am glad you stick up for your country." "I am right, sir; the vessel is armed." "So much the better. The better he behaves the greater credit for us in taking him." "Or _vice versa_, captain," Orne quietly added. "My dear sir, I admire your patriotism, but England is empress of the seas, and no vessel America can build can make the _Guerriere_ lower her flag. See, I will show defiance!" The captain ordered the English flag to be set at each masthead, and the crew cheered lustily as the Union Jack rose up the halliards. The _Guerriere_ backed her maintopsail and waited for the American to commence the action. "Captain Orne, as I suppose you will not wish to fight against your countrymen, you are at liberty to retire below the water line. And, stay--there are ten of my crew who are American sailors who have been impressed; they can go to the cockpit with you." "I thank you for your generosity, Captain Dacres." "Generosity--fiddle-de-dee, it is humanity. I should not like to be made to fight against my own country." In this way Captain Dacres won the respect of his enemies, for he was both gallant and generous. The order to beat to quarters was given, and the two vessels were ready for a fierce fight. Both captains were experienced officers, and both were backed up by crews of undaunted valor. The men were brave and equally patriotic. The _Guerriere_ was fighting for British supremacy, the _Constitution_ for American independence. CHAPTER XI. THE FIGHT AT SEA "Ah! then Could you have seen our men, How they sprung To their work of toil and clamor! How the boarders, with sponge and rammer, And their captains, with cord and hammer, Kept every muzzle ablaze." Each ship was waiting for the other to make the first move. Both captains were cautious and anxious for victory. After several movements, the _Guerriere_ opened fire with her weather broadside. The shots fell short. The British wore around, and let fly her port broadside. Most of the shot tore through the American's rigging, but two shots took effect in the hull. The _Constitution_ yawed a little, and fired three of her bow guns. Another broadside from the _Guerriere_ answered the shots. Lieutenant Tempest walked up and down the deck of the _Constitution_ uneasily. Why such inaction? He knew Hull to be capable, but his action was not quick enough to suit the warm blood of the younger man. Only occasionally was a shot fired from the American. More care was exercised in dodging the fire from the Britisher than in answering.