CHAPTER IV

. A RACE FOR THE LIFE OF A NATION 51

Story of the _Constitution’s_ Escape from a British Squadron off the Jersey Beach--Four Frigates and a Liner were after her--For more than two Days the Brave Old Captain Stood at his Post while the Ship Tacked and Wore and Reached and Ran, and the tireless Sailors Towed and Kedged and Wet the Sails to Catch the Shifting Air--Though once Half-surrounded and once within Range, _Old Ironsides_ Eluded the whole Squadron till a Friendly Squall Came to Wrap her in its Black Folds and Carry her far from Danger.

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