ed to
finish the job without fail. Circling round his antagonist, he raked her
from stem to stern, shot away the mizzen mast, made a sieve of the hull
and killed and wounded fifty men. He was still at it, when, through the
smoke, he caught sight of the swarthy captain, leaping up and down on
the deck, swinging his arms and shrieking in broken English that he had
surrendered. To show he was in earnest, he flung his colors overboard.

"Now throw your guns and powder after your flag," shouted Sterrett.

He was promptly obeyed; and, resolved to take no chances, Sterrett then
compelled him to cut away his masts, after which he was permitted to rig
a jury mast and a single sail.

"Now go home to your Dey," said his conqueror, "and give him my
compliments."

Not a man was killed on board the _Enterprise_, though, as has been
shown, the loss of the enemy was severe.

[Illustration: CAPTAIN WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE.]

The American squadron in that part of the world was increased, and a
number of engagements took place, with the advantage invariably on the
side of our countrymen. By the opening of 1803 there were nine of our
ships, carrying two hundred and fourteen guns, in the Mediterranean
waters. The fine frigate _Philadelphia_ captured a Moorish cruiser upon
which were found papers signed by the Governor of Tangier authorizing
the commander to destroy American commerce. Commodore Preble sailed into
the harbor and demanded an explanation of the emperor. He denied having
given any such authority to his subordinate, and in making his denial
undoubtedly told a falsehood. Nevertheless, he was so scared that he
signed anew the treaty of 1786, deprived the governor of his commission
and confiscated his estates.

Captain William Bainbridge was in command of the _Philadelphia_, and was
detailed to help in blockading Tripoli. His companion vessel was sent in
pursuit of a corsair, so that the _Philadelphia_ was left alone to
perform blockade duty. On the last day of October, 1803, Captain
Bainbridge observed a Tripolitan vessel trying to make port. He gave
chase, but the coast was dangerous, abounding with shoals and reefs,
with which the fugitive vessel was familiar, while Captain Bainbridge
had to keep sounding and regulating his speed in accordance with the
degree of danger.

In the midst of the pursuit, and while every precaution was taken, the
crew, to their dismay, heard a dull, grating sound, whose meaning they
well knew; the