Guerriere" and the "Constitution" were
lying in the Delaware; and the two captains, happening to meet at some
entertainment on shore, fell into a discussion over the merits of
their respective navies. Although even then the cloud of war was
rising on the horizon, each was pleasant and good-natured; and the
discussion assumed no more serious form than lively banter.

"Well," said Hull at last, "you may just take good care of that ship
of yours, if ever I catch her in the 'Constitution.'"

Capt. Dacres laughed good-humoredly, and offered to bet a sum of
money, that in the event of a conflict his confident friend would find
himself the loser.

"No," said Hull, "I'll bet no money on it; but I will stake you a hat,
that the 'Constitution' comes out victorious."

"Done," responded Dacres; and the bet was made. War was soon declared;
and, as it happened, the two friends were pitted against each other
early in the hostilities.

It was not long after the American frigate parted from the privateer
when the long-drawn hail of "Sail ho-o-o!" from the lookout aloft
announced the discovery of another vessel. The course of the
"Constitution" was at once shaped toward the stranger. In half an hour
she was made out to be a frigate, and from her actions was evidently
anxious to come alongside the American ship. As more than an hour must
elapse before the ships could come together, Capt. Hull made his
preparations for action with the greatest deliberation. The
top-gallant sails were furled, and the lighter spars lowered to the
deck. Through their glasses, the officers could see the enemy making
similar preparations, and waiting deliberately for the "Constitution"
to come down.

At five o'clock in the afternoon the two ships were rapidly nearing,
and the drums on the American frigate beat to quarters. Then followed
the rush of barefooted men along the deck, as they ran hastily, but in
perfect order, to their stations. As the roll of the drums died away,
the shrill voices of the boyish midshipmen arose, calling off the
quarter-bills, and answered by the gruff responses of the men at their
posts. Every man, from the cook to the captain, knew his place, and
hurried to it. The surgeon, with his assistants, descended to the
cock-pit. The carpenter and his mates made ready their felt-covered
plugs, for stopping holes made by the enemy's shot. The topmen
clambered to their posts in the rigging, led by the midshipmen who
were to command th