"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.