Once more he called, but his voice was drowned in the noise of the crackling of the timbers and the roar of the flames. He had secured an English flag and waved it, hoping to attract attention. Just on the verge of success he seemed doomed to a terrible death. He saw the boat stop. Had the crew seen him? He shouted. He waved the flag, but again he saw the oars dip the water, and he gave up all hope. With a cry of despair he flung himself into the water, and at the same moment a terrific explosion told him that the fire had reached the magazine, and that the _Guerriere_ was destroyed. Showers of timber and ropes, pieces of sails and ship's stores fell around him, and a dead body was hurled with frantic force against him, sickening him even more than the terrible strain and exhaustion. With a cry to Heaven for help, he buffeted the waves in one last despairing effort. CHAPTER XIII. THE RETURN OF THE CONQUEROR. "Where is that brave man who, at the risk of his life, rescued our wounded and our men?" asked Captain Dacres, as he paced the deck of the _Constitution_ with Captain Hull. "Is he not in the boat?" asked Hull. "I see him not. I should feel that a great calamity had happened were he not to return," responded the British officer. Captain Hull took the glass and looked at the approaching boat. He knew Tempest so well that he was sure he would be the last to leave the sinking ship. Tempest was not in the boat. "Boat ahoy!" he shouted. "Ay, ay, sir!" "Is Mr. Tempest with you?" The answer came back clear and distinct. "No, sir; he fell overboard and we could not find him." Captain Dacres seemed more affected than did the American commander. "If you will order a boat lowered I will go with a crew to find him," he said, and there was a deep earnestness in his voice. "Lower a boat!" ordered Captain Hull. The davits were swung around and the boat lowered. Dacres pleaded so earnestly that he was permitted to go with the small crew in search of the missing man. It was a generous act, and the name of Dacres was just as much honored in Faneuil Hall, a few days later, as that of Cornwallis was execrated. The little boat skimmed over the waves toward the wreck, portions of which were still burning. The hull of the _Guerriere_ was floating about, a mass of flame, for, although a wreck, the stout vessel seemed too proud to give in. Another explosion lifted the little boat out of the water, and sent its crew into the waves. They speedily righted it and climbed in. "See! there he is," cried Midshipman Eagle, pointing to a human head which was just discernible on the water. "Pull for your lives, men!" shouted Dacres, and the men obeyed with a hearty good will. "Steady there! Look to the starboard side, right! Now, then, boys, for a strong pull." The little boat shot forward, and Dacres stretched forth his hand toward the floating object.