boats came in range of each other they hoisted colors, and at the same time the “Drake” hailed:
“What ship is that?”
And Jones answered:
“The American Continental ship ‘Ranger.’ We are waiting for you—come on—its getting late and time to begin.”
So the “Drake” opened fire, and all her crew laughed merrily at the impudence of the little American craft. But in those days it was the captain, and not the craft, that counted, as we shall soon see. In a moment, the heaven was lurid with the wild fire of conflicting guns. Amid the din and uproar of that fierce and bitter hour, the little captain ran about his vessel, issuing commands, and filling his men with the wildest enthusiasm. Not for one moment did the flag of the United Colonies cease to wave above her brave defender, to give her men new courage and fresh hope. For more than an hour this fear-
