ON THE VERGE OF SUCCESS.
"'Why, here's a blow,'
Said Dacres, as he hauled his flag below."
Although the Guerriere was a hopeless wreck, her captain, with true bulldog courage, kept the British ensign floating from the stump of her fallen mizzen-mast.
The blow must have been severe to the gallant English officer, for he had fully believed the Guerriere to be invulnerable.
The Constitution drew away, but kept firing continuously, and soon secured a raking position.
Dacres' eyes filled with tears.
"It is no use," he exclaimed to his first officer. "Haul down the flag."
"Must we surrender?" asked the officer.
"If I had only myself to consult I should say no. I would rather sink with the Guerriere than live dishonored."
"There is no dishonor in our defeat, captain; but we are all ready to fight until not a man lives."