The ship followed her circular course, varying it only to maintain the distance.

For several hours the unequal battle continued.
The mainmast of the Dornoch had been shot away, and Christy, with his glass, saw several of the huge shots crash into her bow.
It was evident, after pounding her a good part of the day, that the enemy could not stand much more of this punishment.

At eight bells in the afternoon watch she hauled down her flag.

Christy had done nothing but watch the Dornoch, and report to Captain Chantor.

As her flag came down, he discovered that her condition, after the last shot, was becoming desperate.
"She has settled considerably in the water, Captain Chantor, and that is evidently the reason why she hauled down her flag," said Christy, just as the ship's company were cheering at the disappearance of the Confederate flag from the peak of the enemy.
"I was confident she could not endure much more such hulling as Mr.
Turreton has been bestowing upon her," replied the commander, after he had given the order to make the course directly towards the Dornoch.
Christy continued to watch the enemy's vessel.