"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.