“His Britannic Majesty’s late man-of-war the Serapis, sir,” was the sad response, “and I am Captain Richard Pearson.”
“Pardon me, sir,” said the American officer, “in the haste of the moment I forgot to inform you that my name is Richard Dale and I must request you to pass on board the vessel alongside.”
Pearson nodded dejectedly.
As he did so, the first Lieutenant of the Serapis came up from below, and, looking at Captain Pearson, asked,
“Has the enemy struck, sir?”
“No, sir! I have struck!” was the sad reply.
“Then, I will go below and order our men to cease firing,” continued the English Lieutenant.
But Lieutenant Dale interrupted.
“Pardon me, sir,” said he, “I will attend to that; and, as for yourself, please accompany Captain Pearson on board the ship alongside.”
With reluctant steps the two officers clambered aboard the battered Good Richard, where Commodore Jones received them with much courtesy.