"The _Lively Bee_ would find a way to sting." "I am glad you have such a strong faith in the _Bee_, but to proceed with my story: The _Hornet_, when it found the _Bonne Citoyenne_ would not fight, remained outside the harbor, as a blockader, while the _Constitution_ continued to cruise alone. "Three days only elapsed before she sighted two vessels, well into the shore. "Bainbridge's heart beat with hope. "His great chance had come, for he felt sure that the two vessels were British war ships. "One of them seemed to make for the shore, while the other made her course boldly for the _Constitution_. "Bainbridge now clearly saw that the approaching vessel was a man-of-war of formidable build. "The crew of the American ship waited orders. "They were all anxiety, for they dearly loved a fight. "To their horror and disgust, their captain ordered the vessel put to sea. "Murmurings were heard, but Bainbridge laughed quietly to himself, for he saw clearly the coastline, dark and low, of Brazil, and he knew that the Englishman could easily retreat into neutral waters if pressed too hard. "So he made all sail, as though in flight. "The Englishman so understood it, and crowded on sail in pursuit. "By noon the two ships were near enough for their flags to be visible. "'Run up the ensign!' ordered Bainbridge. "The colors were set, and answered by the Englishman. "Bainbridge continued his retreat for another hour. "Fast and yet faster flew the British war ship. "It was something new for a Yankee to fly from an Englishman, and the latter enjoyed it. "Suddenly Bainbridge gave the order: "'Take in the mainsails and royals.' "The order was obeyed, though the crew wondered at the reason for it. "But when the _Constitution_ tacked toward the enemy a ringing cheer went up from the crew. "Their captain was no coward. "The coastline of Brazil was below the horizon, and Bainbridge was confident he could prevent the enemy retreating. "The drum beat to quarters, and quietly the veterans got to work to meet the foe. "The _Java_, for such the enemy proved to be, hauled down her colors, leaving only a jack flying. "This action puzzled Bainbridge, who ordered a shot to be fired, which should mean that the ensigns be raised again. "This challenge was answered by a broadside. "The battle was now on in dead earnest. The _Java_ was the better sailer, and both ships were well manned. "The firing was rapid, the aim good. "It looked bad for the American, after an hour's fighting, for a round shot carried away her wheel, and the captain was wounded by a small copper bolt, which was driven into his thigh. "For a few minutes it looked as though our boat was lost, for she would not answer to the rudder, her head fell off, and her sails flapped idly against the spars. "Though suffering excruciating agony, Bainbridge directed every movement. Tackle was rigged upon the rudder-post between decks, and a crew of jackies worked the improvised helm.