"I know it; but that would be murder on my part. Haul down the flag."
The captain went below.
He could not see the flag for which he had fought so bravely lowered in defeat.
"Captain Orne, your compatriots have humbled me to-day," he said when he saw the American prisoner. "You are free."
Orne could not express the jubilation he felt, for there was something pitiful in the anguish shown by the brave English captain.
Lieutenant Read was dispatched by Captain Hull to board the prize.
He saw Orne, whom he recognized, and clasped his hand in silence.
Captain Dacres staggered to the deck.
"Captain Hull presents his compliments," said the American lieutenant, "and wishes to know if you have struck your flag."
Captain Dacres looked at the ship, its decks strewn with dead, and slippery with human blood, its shattered masts, and he answered dryly: