ed, but the superior gunnery of
the Americans soon began to tell. The "Drake" fought under no colors,
her ensign having been shot away early in the action. But the spirited
manner in which her guns were worked gave assurance that she had not
struck. The American fire had wrought great execution on the deck of
the Englishman. Her captain was desperately wounded early in the
fight; and the first lieutenant, who took his place, was struck down
by a musket-ball from the "Ranger's" tops. The cock-pit of the "Drake"
was like a butcher's shambles, so bespattered was it with blood. But
on the "Ranger" there was little execution. The brave Wallingford,
Jones's first lieutenant and right-hand man, was killed early in the
action, and one poor fellow accompanied him to his long account; but
beyond this there were no deaths. Six men only were wounded.

The sun was just dipping the lower edge of its great red circle
beneath the watery horizon, when the "Drake" began to show signs of
failing. First her fire slackened. A few guns would go off at a time,
followed by a long silence. That portion of her masts which was
visible above the clouds of gunpowder-smoke showed plainly the results
of American gunnery. The sails were shot to ribbons. The cordage cut
by the flying shot hung loosely down, or was blown out by the breeze.
The spars were shattered, and hung out of place. The main-mast canted
to leeward, and was in imminent danger of falling. The jib had been
shot away entirely, and was trailing in the water alongside the ship.

Gradually the fire of the "Drake" slackened, until at last it had
ceased altogether. Noticing this, Capt. Jones gave orders to cease
firing; and soon silence reigned over the bay that had for an hour
resounded with the thunder of cannon. As the smoke that enveloped the
two ships cleared away, the people on the "Ranger" could see an
officer standing on the rail of the "Drake" waving a white flag. At
the sight a mighty huzza went up from the gallant lads on the Yankee
ship, which was, however, quickly checked by Jones.

"Have you struck your flag?" he shouted through a speaking-trumpet.

"We have, sir," was the response.

"Then lay by until I send a boat aboard," directed Capt. Jones; and
soon after a cutter put off from the side of the "Ranger," and made
for the captured ship.

The boarding-officer clambered over the bulwarks of the "Drake," and,
veteran naval officer as he was, started in amazement at the s