"Not precisely. But I do not know that it will be worth while to fight any more."
"If you cannot make up your mind I will go back and we will do something to help you."
"I don't see that I can keep up the fight," said the dejected British captain. "I have hardly any men left and my ship is ready to sink."
"What I want to know is," cried Lieutenant Read, "whether you are a prisoner of war or an enemy. And I must know without further parley."
"If I could fight longer I would," said Captain Dacres. Then with faltering words he continued, "but-I-must-surrender."
"Then accept from me Captain Hull's compliments. He wishes to know if you need the aid of a surgeon or surgeon's mate."
"Have you not business enough on your own ship for all your doctors?" asked Dacres.
"Oh, no!" said Read. "We have only seven men wounded, and their wounds are all dressed."
Captain Dacres was obliged to enter Read's boat and be rowed to the Constitution. He had been wounded, and could not climb very well, so Captain Hull helped him to the deck.
"Give me your hand, Dacres," he said, "I know you are hurt."