Silently the victors stepped over the prostrate forms to the quarter deck, where the officer weakly dropped his sword to signify his surrender.

Lieutenant Biddle walked to where the colors were still fluttering and pulled them down.

A few minutes later the mainmast and foremast fell.
Maclay gives the strength of the two vessels as follows: _Wasp_, 18 guns, _Frolic_, 22; crew of the _Wasp_, 138, of the _Frolic_, 110.

On the _Wasp_ 5 were killed and 5 wounded; on the _Frolic_ 15 were killed and 47 wounded, the latter being completely riddled.

The cause of this frightful difference in results was brought about by the Americans discharging their broadsides when their ship was on the downward roll, the shot landing in the hull of the enemy, while the latter fired on the rise, her broadsides mainly passing into and through the rigging.
As soon as Captain Jones learned of the fearful plight of the Frolic he sent his surgeon on board, and everything possible was done to assist the sorely smitten enemy.
The _Wasp_ was so badly injured that Captain Jones gave his attention to repairing her, and was thus engaged when a sail appeared.