It was a bright, sunshiny morning and the air was clear.
"Run up the starry banner!" he shouted.
It was a defiance, and the crew cheered heartily as the flag ran up the halliards.
But the cheering suddenly ceased at a word from the commander.
"Masthead, what do you see?"
Scarcely a minute elapsed before the answer came.
"She has run up the American flag, sir!"
What cheering!
What joy filled the breasts of the crew!
Orders were given to stand toward the American.