"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.