"So much the better. The better he behaves the greater credit for us in taking him."
"Or vice versa, captain," Orne quietly added.
"My dear sir, I admire your patriotism, but England is empress of the seas, and no vessel America can build can make the Guerriere lower her flag. See, I will show defiance!"
The captain ordered the English flag to be set at each masthead, and the crew cheered lustily as the Union Jack rose up the halliards.
The Guerriere backed her maintopsail and waited for the American to commence the action.
"Captain Orne, as I suppose you will not wish to fight against your countrymen, you are at liberty to retire below the water line. And, stay—there are ten of my crew who are American sailors who have been impressed; they can go to the cockpit with you."
"I thank you for your generosity, Captain Dacres."
"Generosity—fiddle-de-dee, it is humanity. I should not like to be made to fight against my own country."
In this way Captain Dacres won the respect of his enemies, for he was both gallant and generous.
The order to beat to quarters was given, and the two vessels were ready for a fierce fight.