Captain Vernon boarded the Constitution, and was well received.
Captain Hull, after he had seen the Peacock disabled, had consulted the captain of the privateer, and had agreed that it was not worth the trouble to overtake the Peacock, as she would not be worth much as a prize, and as the British vessel made full sail when the Constitution appeared, he deemed it advisable to let it go.
It was then that the captain made the offer to Vernon, which he had submitted to his men.
"I see what it is, Vernon. Your answer is one declining to join the navy. Well, mayhap you are right. And we shall meet, it may be, again. I did hear that the Guerriere was in these waters, and I am in search of her."
"She is a formidable war ship."
"I know, and a strange thing occurs to my mind. I have a bet with the captain on the result of our first engagement."
"A wager?"
"Yes, over a year ago our two vessels were lying in the Delaware. We exchanged calls. Captain Dacres of the Guerriere is a rattling good fellow—for an Englishman. 'Well, Dacres,' I said I one day, 'you may just take care of that ship of yours, if ever I catch her with the Constitution.' Captain Dacres laughed good humoredly, and offered to bet me a sum of money that, in case of a conflict, I should be the loser. 'No,' said I, 'I'll bet no money on it; but I will stake you a hat that the Constitution comes out victorious.' 'Done!' cried Dacres, and so the bet was made."
"I wish you luck, captain," said Vernon, "and I wish you may tow the Guerriere into Boston as a prize."
"Thanks, Vernon. And I need scarcely say I return the complimentary wish."