ain the Americans saw
their enemies closing in upon them by the aid of sweeps, and towing
with their boats. There was little rest for the crew of the American
frigate. On the gun-deck, about the carriages of the great cannon, lay
such of the men as were not assigned to duty in the boats or at the
capstan. Wearied with the constant strain, they fell asleep as soon as
relieved from active duty; though they knew that from that sleep they
might be awakened to plunge into the fierce excitement of desperate
battle. Exhausted as the men were, their officers were forced to
endure a still more fearful strain. No sleep came to the eyelids of
Capt. Hull, throughout the chase. Now encouraging the men, now
planning a new ruse to deceive the enemy, ever watchful of the
pursuing ships, and ready to take advantage of the slightest breath of
air, Capt. Hull and his able first lieutenant Morris showed such
seamanship as extorted admiration even from the British, who were
being baffled by their nautical skill.

By skilful manoeuvring, the Americans managed to keep to the windward
of their enemies throughout the chase; and to this fact the success of
Capt. Hull's most astute stratagem was due. Ever alert for any sign of
a coming breeze, he saw on the water far to windward that rippling
appearance that betokens the coming of a puff. Hull determined to
utilize it for himself, and, if possible, trick the British so that
they would lose all benefit of the breeze. The clouds that were coming
up to windward seemed to threaten a squall, and driving sheets of
rain were rapidly advancing toward the ship. With great ostentation,
the "Constitution" was made ready for a severe gale. The enemy could
see the nimble sailors taking in sail, and furling all the lighter
canvas. Then the driving rain swept over the ship, and she was shut
out of sight. Immediately all was activity in the tops of the British
frigates. Reefs were rapidly taken in the larger sails, while many
were closely furled. All forsook their course, and steered in
different directions in preparation for the coming squall, which,
indeed, was far less violent than the action of the "Constitution"
seemed to indicate. But the shrewd Yankees on that craft, protected
from spying British eyes by the heavy rain, were now shaking out the
reefs they had just set; and under full sail the ship was soon flying
away towards home. After an hour of driving thunder-shower, the clouds
passed by; and the wa