Just before the violent gust struck the ship her seamen scampered aloft and took in the upper sails.

This was all that safety required, but, seeing a chance to trick the enemy, Hull ordered the lower sails double-reefed as though caught in a gale of wind.

The British ships hastily imitated him before they should be overtaken in like manner and veered away from the chase.

Veiled in the rain and dusk, the _Constitution_ set all sail again and foamed at twelve knots on her course toward a port of refuge.

Though two of the British frigates were in sight next morning, the _Constitution_ left them far astern and reached Boston safely.
Seafaring New England was quick to recognize the merit of this escape.
Even the Federalists, who opposed and hampered the war by land, were enthusiastic in praise of Captain Hull and his ship.