"Ah! thenCould you have seen our men,How they sprungTo their work of toil and clamor!How the boarders, with sponge and rammer,And their captains, with cord and hammer,Kept every muzzle ablaze."
"Ah! thenCould you have seen our men,How they sprungTo their work of toil and clamor!How the boarders, with sponge and rammer,And their captains, with cord and hammer,Kept every muzzle ablaze."
Each ship was waiting for the other to make the first move.
Both captains were cautious and anxious for victory.
After several movements, theGuerriereopened fire with her weather broadside.
The shots fell short.
The British wore around, and let fly her port broadside.
Most of the shot tore through the American's rigging, but two shots took effect in the hull.
TheConstitutionyawed a little, and fired three of her bow guns.
Another broadside from theGuerriereanswered the shots.
Lieutenant Tempest walked up and down the deck of theConstitutionuneasily.
Why such inaction?
He knew Hull to be capable, but his action was not quick enough to suit the warm blood of the younger man.
Only occasionally was a shot fired from the American.
More care was exercised in dodging the fire from the Britisher than in answering.
An hour had passed and only the American had been injured, though but slightly.
The crew of theConstitutionwere becoming restive.
Captain Hull paced the quarterdeck with short, quick steps.
Although outwardly calm, his whole body was burning with checked excitement.
Lieutenant Morris, the second in command, bit his lips and moved his hands about nervously and uneasily.
"What does he mean?" he asked Tempest.
"That I have been wondering," was the answer.
"Shall I give them a broadside?" asked Morris, saluting his chief.
"Not yet," was the reply.
Lieutenant Morris paced the deck, almost angry at his captain.
TheGuerrierefired another broadside, and as the shots tore away some of the rigging, the officer muttered to himself:
"There will be mutiny if we don't take action."
Low as he spoke, Tempest heard him.
"Do you think so?"
"Did you hear? I am sorry I uttered my thoughts aloud. I am afraid; the gunners are getting very impatient."
Tempest saw the captain pacing the deck, and the vessels were getting so close together that it looked as if the American intended to board the Britisher.
Again Morris asked if he should fire a broadside, and again came the answer:
"Not yet."
TheGuerrierewas only about half a pistol shot away.
Captain Hull had restrained his excitement as long as he could.
He saw how close the enemy really was.
Then he was ready.
The moment for which he had waited had arrived.
He had drawn the Britisher into a trap by leading him to believe the American would not fight.
"Now, boys, pour it into them!" he shouted with all the lung power he possessed.
He stooped almost to the deck and threw his body up again, cheering the men.
"Pour it into them!" he shouted again. "Hull her, boys! Hull her!" And the crew, catching up the shout, made the decks ring with the cry of "Hull her!" as they loaded and let fly again.
Captain Hull gesticulated with such violence that the tight breeches of his naval uniform split from hip to knee.
The effect of the broadside on theGuerrierewas terrific.
The Britisher reeled and trembled as though in the throes of a mighty earthquake.
With a tremendous crash the mizzen-mast was shot away.
In a few moments Captain Dacres was told that the cockpit was filled with wounded men.
The conflict was furious.
There was no more delay.
The firing was incessant.
Stripped to the waist, and covered with the stains of powder and of blood, the gunners pulled fiercely at the gun-tackle, and wielded the rammers with frantic energy.
Then the match was applied.
The death-dealing bolt crashed into the hull of the enemy only a few yards distant.
The ships were broadside to broadside, when the mizzen-mast of the English ship was shot away.
The force of the great spar falling upon the deck made a great breach in the quarter of the ship.
The Americans cheered lustily when they saw the damage done.
TheConstitutionpoured in several effective broadsides, and luffed slowly, until she lay right athwart theGuerriere'sbow.
The long bowsprit of the Englishman stretched far across theConstitution'squarterdeck and was soon fouled in the mizzen-rigging of the latter vessel.
The two ships swung helplessly around.
The bow of the Englishman lay snugly against the port-quarter of the American.
"We could board her now," said Lieutenant Morris.
"I wish the captain would give the order," responded Tempest, who was acting as second lieutenant.
"By Washington, but you shall see some fighting!" exclaimed Captain Hull, as he saw that the Englishman was preparing to board theConstitution.
The bugle blared from the quarterdeck of theGuerriere, and the boarders sprang from their guns and seized their heavy cutlasses and boarding-caps.
But Hull had ordered the boarding-bugle to sound, and by the side of his vessel there appeared an equal number of well-armed men.
Captain Dacres saw the kind of reception he would meet with, and so ordered his men back to their guns.
The vessels were so close together that pistols were freely used.
The topmen fired down at the deck of the opposing ship and picked off many a brave man.
Captain Dacres was slightly wounded by a pistol shot fired by John Tempest.
The thunder of the big guns could not down the cries of pain and anger which arose from the throats of the wounded men.
The air was filled with the ceaseless rattle of musketry, the roar of cannon, the cracking of pistol shots, and the cries of the injured.
Often the protruding muzzles of the guns touched the side of the opposing ship. And when the guns were run in for loading the sailors would rush to the open ports with muskets and pistols, and try to pick off some of the enemy.
Suddenly there was an alarming cry, which rose above all others and entirely overpowered them.
"Fire! Fire!"
Every one was horrified.
A sailor is more horrified at that cry than any other which can be heard at sea.
He would rather be clinging to a mast in the open ocean than stand on the deck of a stanch ship, if her hold was on fire!
Flames were seen coming from the windows of the cabin, which lay directly beneath theGuerriere'sbow guns.
While the shots were raking the decks, and every moment the crew anticipated having to fight hand-to-hand, man to man, not one felt any fear.
But when that cry of fire was raised, and the flames seen, there was not a sailor or marine but trembled.
The flash of the enemy's guns had caused the fire, so close were the vessels together.
Captain Hull did not lose his presence of mind.
With splendid discipline he soon had the flames extinguished and the danger from fire averted.
Tempest had gone to the gun deck.
He pointed to theGuerriereand said:
"It was the flash from that gun which fired our cabin. I will silence it."
He ordered a gun loaded, and sighted it himself.
The puff of smoke, followed by the roar of the cannon, told of the passage of the shot, but it was not until thesmoke had cleared away that it was seen that Tempest's shot had disabled the enemy's gun.
But while the men were extinguishing the flames the brave Lieutenant Morris was attempting, with his own hands, to lash the two ships together.
He saw that he should fail, and leaping upon the taffrail called on his men to follow him.
Instantly Lieutenant Bush of the marines and Mr. Alwyn were by his side, when a volley from the British caused all three to fall back.
Bush was killed instantly and the other two were badly wounded.
The ships drifted asunder.
Lieutenant Tempest went to the long gun and with a hurried request for permission to fire it, sighted with deliberation.
A ringing cheer told of the result.
TheGuerriere'sforemast had been shot away and had dragged down the mainmast with it in its fall.
The proud, trim-built and rigged Britisher was now a shapeless hulk, tossing on the waters without chance to retrieve its fallen fortunes.
ON THE VERGE OF SUCCESS.
"'Why, here's a blow,'Said Dacres, as he hauled his flag below."
"'Why, here's a blow,'Said Dacres, as he hauled his flag below."
Although theGuerrierewas a hopeless wreck, her captain, with true bulldog courage, kept the British ensign floating from the stump of her fallen mizzen-mast.
The blow must have been severe to the gallant English officer, for he had fully believed theGuerriereto be invulnerable.
TheConstitutiondrew away, but kept firing continuously, and soon secured a raking position.
Dacres' eyes filled with tears.
"It is no use," he exclaimed to his first officer. "Haul down the flag."
"Must we surrender?" asked the officer.
"If I had only myself to consult I should say no. I would rather sink with theGuerrierethan live dishonored."
"There is no dishonor in our defeat, captain; but we are all ready to fight until not a man lives."
"I know it; but that would be murder on my part. Haul down the flag."
The captain went below.
He could not see the flag for which he had fought so bravely lowered in defeat.
"Captain Orne, your compatriots have humbled me to-day," he said when he saw the American prisoner. "You are free."
Orne could not express the jubilation he felt, for therewas something pitiful in the anguish shown by the brave English captain.
Lieutenant Read was dispatched by Captain Hull to board the prize.
He saw Orne, whom he recognized, and clasped his hand in silence.
Captain Dacres staggered to the deck.
"Captain Hull presents his compliments," said the American lieutenant, "and wishes to know if you have struck your flag."
Captain Dacres looked at the ship, its decks strewn with dead, and slippery with human blood, its shattered masts, and he answered dryly:
"Well, sir, I don't know what to say. Our mizzen-mast is gone; our mainmast is gone; and I think, on the whole, you had better report that we have struck our flag."
Read saluted the captain, and stepped to the side of the ship, but turned back.
"Would you like the assistance of a surgeon, or surgeon's mate, in caring for your wounded?" he asked the captain.
"Well, sir, I should suppose you had on your own ship business enough for all your medical officers."
"Oh, no," responded the American. "We have only seven wounded, and their wounds have been dressed some time ago."
Captain Dacres dare not attempt to answer, for had he done so his voice would have been choked with sobs.
"Only seven wounded," he murmured, and remembered that on the deck he had twenty-three dead or mortally wounded, while his surgeons were busy attending to fifty-six who were desperately injured.
Captain Orne returned with Lieutenant Read to theConstitution.
He reported to Captain Hull, and was asked to describe the state of theGuerriere.
"I came on deck about half-past seven," he said, "and beheld a scene it would be impossible ever to forget.
"All the ship's masts were gone, and as she had no sails to steady her, she was rolling like a log in the trough of the sea."
"Were many killed and wounded?" asked Captain Hull.
"The crew were busy throwing the dead overboard," answered Orne; "the decks were covered with blood, and looked more like a ship's slaughter house. The cockpit is filled with wounded men."
It was hard to feel pleasure at such a report, and yet the patriotism of Hull could scarcely repress a cheer. But he asked Orne one other question:
"How are the survivors acting?"
"Badly—utterly demoralized. Some of the petty officers got at the liquor and gave it out to the men. Many are drunk, and what with their ribald songs, the noise and confusion, the groans of the dying, it is like a perfect hell, sir."
"Were such a thing as defeat to happen to theConstitution," said Hull, "I would with my own hand shoot the first man who touched liquor."
The captain walked the deck uneasily for a few moments.
"Tempest!" he called, and there being no answer, he turned to one of his boys. "Tell Mr. Tempest I want to speak with him."
In a few moments the young officer of theLively Beeappeared.
"I want you to undertake a most difficult duty."
"I am prepared, sir."
"I knew it. Are you ready?"
"Quite, sir."
"I want you to board theGuerriere—she is sinking fast—and transfer all her officers and crew to our ship."
"Yes, captain; it shall be done."
"But—the men have got to the grog, you may have difficulty. You have authority to shoot any one who disregards your orders."
"The wounded shall be removed first."
"That is right. But stay; the officers must have precedence, even over the wounded."
When Tempest left the captain's cabin, Orne remarked,sotto voce:
"That young man will never return alive."
"Perhaps not; but I want to try his mettle."
"He is brave."
"Ay, as brave as any man who ever trod a deck."
In the first boatload Tempest sent from the British ship was Captain Dacres.
As the defeated captain entered the victor's cabin he unclasped his sword from his hip and handed it silently to Captain Hull.
The American put it gently back.
"No, no, captain; I'll not take a sword from one who knows so well how to use it. But I will trouble you for that hat."
Captain Dacres looked perplexed.
Hull laughed, as he added:
"Have you forgotten our bet made a year ago on the Delaware?"
"No, sir; I now recall it. That hat is yours; but it seems to me you want a new pair of breeches more than a hat," and the Englishman pointed to the torn breeches worn by Hull.
"Ah, you have noticed my personal casualty; but, Dacres, it was my own doing. Don't write to England and say you inflicted the damage."
Tempest, as was expected, had a hard time with the prisoners, who had taken more grog than allowed by the rules of the service.
One of the petty officers staggered up to the young officer.
"By Jove, younker, I'll have you thrown overboard," he said.
A lot of drunken gunners, naked to the waist and armed with cutlasses, cheered him and crowded around Tempest to carry out the threat.
The young man never moved!
He raised his pistol and leveling it at the head of the officer said:
"Give me your sword."
The man meekly obeyed.
With a sword in one hand, a pistol in the other, he faced the drunken gunners.
"The first man who attempts to touch me, dies. Lay down your weapons on the deck."
"By St. George, hark to the child!" said one of the men. "Are you afraid? See, I'll take his plaything from him."
The man stepped forward, but Tempest was too quick for him, and a well-aimed thrust with the sword placed the manhors de combat.
"Lay down your weapons," he shouted, as he drew his sword from the dead man's body.
The men obeyed sullenly.
They had met their master, and knew it.
Tempest knew that the prisoners were not to be trusted while any of them were armed.
He, however, did not show his distrust, but walked about, giving orders for the removal of all on board theGuerriere, together with their effects.
A drunken officer, a mere petty official, crept up behind the young privateer, pistol in hand.
Tempest suddenly turned, and with a sweep of his sword cut the pistol from the man's hand.
But he had struck deeper than he knew at that moment, for with the pistol went the fellow's hand as well.
The sword cut had severed his wrist.
There was no more opposition, and the last man was in the boat.
Only Tempest remained on board the once proud war vessel.
He searched every deck, he descended to the cockpit, and when satisfied that not a living creature remained on board he fired the ship in a dozen places.
Then he returned to the deck, to see that the boat was several fathoms away.
He called, but there was no response; evidently he had not been heard.
He signaled for help.
In a few moments the flames would reach the magazine.
Once more he called, but his voice was drowned in the noise of the crackling of the timbers and the roar of the flames.
He had secured an English flag and waved it, hoping to attract attention.
Just on the verge of success he seemed doomed to a terrible death.
He saw the boat stop. Had the crew seen him?
He shouted.
He waved the flag, but again he saw the oars dip the water, and he gave up all hope. With a cry of despair he flung himself into the water, and at the same moment a terrific explosion told him that the fire had reached the magazine, and that theGuerrierewas destroyed.
Showers of timber and ropes, pieces of sails and ship's stores fell around him, and a dead body was hurled with frantic force against him, sickening him even more than the terrible strain and exhaustion.
With a cry to Heaven for help, he buffeted the waves in one last despairing effort.
THE RETURN OF THE CONQUEROR.
"Where is that brave man who, at the risk of his life, rescued our wounded and our men?" asked Captain Dacres, as he paced the deck of theConstitutionwith Captain Hull.
"Is he not in the boat?" asked Hull.
"I see him not. I should feel that a great calamity had happened were he not to return," responded the British officer.
Captain Hull took the glass and looked at the approaching boat.
He knew Tempest so well that he was sure he would be the last to leave the sinking ship.
Tempest was not in the boat.
"Boat ahoy!" he shouted.
"Ay, ay, sir!"
"Is Mr. Tempest with you?"
The answer came back clear and distinct.
"No, sir; he fell overboard and we could not find him."
Captain Dacres seemed more affected than did the American commander.
"If you will order a boat lowered I will go with a crew to find him," he said, and there was a deep earnestness in his voice.
"Lower a boat!" ordered Captain Hull.
The davits were swung around and the boat lowered.
Dacres pleaded so earnestly that he was permitted to go with the small crew in search of the missing man.
It was a generous act, and the name of Dacres was justas much honored in Faneuil Hall, a few days later, as that of Cornwallis was execrated.
The little boat skimmed over the waves toward the wreck, portions of which were still burning.
The hull of theGuerrierewas floating about, a mass of flame, for, although a wreck, the stout vessel seemed too proud to give in.
Another explosion lifted the little boat out of the water, and sent its crew into the waves.
They speedily righted it and climbed in.
"See! there he is," cried Midshipman Eagle, pointing to a human head which was just discernible on the water.
"Pull for your lives, men!" shouted Dacres, and the men obeyed with a hearty good will.
"Steady there! Look to the starboard side, right! Now, then, boys, for a strong pull."
The little boat shot forward, and Dacres stretched forth his hand toward the floating object.
He caught Tempest's shoulder and held it in an iron grip until young Eagle saw him, and then he, too, reached over and helped to pull the young privateer into the boat.
Tempest had lost consciousness, but, as Dacres said, "while there is life there is hope."
"Pull hard, you lazy fellows," shouted the English captain. "A few minutes' delay, and one of the bravest men I have known will be dead."
The men bent their backs, and the oars dipped the water. Never had boat sped along so fast.
Eagle was rubbing Tempest's stomach and chest as he lay in the boat.
A loud cheer greeted the little crew as the boat was made fast alongside theConstitution, and when Lieutenant John Tempest of theLively Bee, privateer, was lifted on deck, another cheer rent the air.
Middie Eagle reported to the captain, and his praise of Dacres was just and generous.
"Dang me, captain!" he exclaimed in an off-hand manner, almost forgetting that he was addressing his superior officer, "dang me, but the English captain ordered the men about as though they were English, and the boys obeyed. Only think, a few hours ago we were trying to blow Dacres into kingdom come, and now we are obeying his commands."
Captain Hull grasped the Englishman's hand with a vigorous grip.
"Thank you, Captain Dacres. If all Englishmen were like you, there would be no need of war, and you would help us sing 'Yankee Doodle,' while we would join in singing 'God Save the King.'"
"That is how it ought to be, Captain Hull, and God grant it may come soon. We are one people, even if we do run on different routes."
"Ay, ay, there is room for us both, and some day we shall join hands as brothers."
While the two captains were talking, the men on deck were rolling Tempest over a barrel to eject the water.
The young man was strong and healthy, and was not fated to be drowned that time.
A good stiff glass of grog seemed to revive him wonderfully, and after a sleep he awoke just as the good shipConstitution, all decked out with bunting, was entering Boston harbor.
The bells of King's Chapel and the Old South Church were ringing out merrily, and crowds were gathered on the wharves.
For the display of bunting on the war ship betokened victory.
The city gave itself up to a joyousness almost unprecedented.
There was no time for much preparation, for theConstitutionhad been sighted only just outside the harbor, but the city did what it could.
A signal was fired for the war ship to anchor until a boat could put off for the news.
At first Captain Hull was inclined to disregard it.
When war had been declared against England, the flags were all hoisted in the city, but at half mast; funeral dirges were played through the streets, and a meeting was held in Faneuil Hall to express mourning and humiliation.
Hull remembered this, and chafed at the thought that Boston was the nearest port.
But he remembered his country, and if Boston wanted to rejoice with the victors, it might be of advantage nationally.
So he ordered the salute to be answered, and he anchored until the boat could reach him.
The worthy mayor of the city came off in the boat, wearing all the trappings of his office.
He clambered on deck with the usual awkwardness of a landsman, and bowed very low as he saluted Captain Hull.
The naval officer was blunt and honest.
He spoke to the point, and never weighed his words long.
He hated obsequiousness, and hesitated whether to deal with the mayor courteously or brusquely.
But his sense of good manners conquered, and he greeted the citizen with the greatest courtesy.
"How long wilt thou wait outside the harbor?" asked the mayor.
"One hour. The tide forbids me further delay," was the answer.
The mayor descended to the boat, and was rowed back to the city.
Every few minutes he forgot his dignity and shouted to fishermen, lightermen and crafts of all kinds:
"Get out your flags, England has been beaten."
It was surprising how soon the ships in the harbor were decked with bunting.
Every flag was flying, and all sorts of things pressed into service.
One man tore up his red shirt to make a pennon; women gave up red and blue shawls; children contributed clothing; anything of bright color was utilized, and the scene was almost instantly transformed from the somberness of everyday life to the brilliancy of festival attire.
A great flotilla of gayly decorated boats went out to meet and surround theConstitution.
The flags of surrounding vessels were dipped in salutation as the war-scarred veteran ship made her way to the wharf.
The Boston Artillery Company, that organization whose deeds will never be forgotten, assembled on the dock and fired a national salute.
As the guns of theConstitutionresponded, Captain Hull remarked that he fired them with more pleasure than when another vessel was the target.
The people needed cheering, for all the news had been of disaster.
The British had gained victories on land.
The Canadian frontier, near Detroit, had been the scene of American reverses, and the people were beginning to despair.
The victory gained by Captain Hull raised the people into an elysium of excitement.
England had been empress of the seas, but on her own domain she had been beaten.
It was no use for any English apologist to declare theGuerriereto be an inferior ship, for she had been lauded to the skies, and her invulnerability praised by poet and statesman.
When the British squadron left the English coast, the LondonNaval Chronicletook for its motto the distich:
"The winds and seas are Britain's domain,And not a sail but by permission spreads."
"The winds and seas are Britain's domain,And not a sail but by permission spreads."
And theGuerrierewas praised in the most fulsome language.
The people of Boston were almost frantic with joy.
When Captain Hull landed he found the city decked with bunting, and the streets crowded with people.
In front of Faneuil Hall was a large white banner, on which the words had been hastily painted:
"TheConstitution, a bunch of pine boards under a bit of striped bunting."
The paint was not dry; how could it be?
It ran over the white canvas; but, blurred as it was, it did its work.
With all the enthusiasm, Captain Hull was still the calm naval officer, not spoiled by praise or injured by flattery.
The mayor had given orders for a grand banquet to be prepared to be given the officers of the ship.
Six hundred sat down, and the first toast, after that of the President, was to the "Bunch of pine boards under a bit of striped bunting."
At the banquet, trying to escape unnoticed, was Captain Harry Vernon, of theLively Bee, privateer.
He wondered whether the people would hail him with the same joy as they did Captain Hull, were he to return a victor.
But one saw him, and hastened to his side.
"Captain, how is theLively Bee?" asked John Tempest.
"She sails to-morrow, Tempest."
"Is my place still vacant, for I want to sign."
"Your place should be in the regular navy."
"My place, captain, is with theLively Bee."
There was no moving Tempest when he had made up his mind, and, to tell the truth, Vernon was right glad to have him back.
THE LIVELY BEE'S PLUCK.
"'Now coil up y'r nonsense'Bout England's great navy,And take in y'r slackAbout oak-hearted tars.'"
"'Now coil up y'r nonsense'Bout England's great navy,And take in y'r slackAbout oak-hearted tars.'"
Sang the crew of theLively Beeas they worked hard getting ready to proceed to sea.
Mr. Scarron, who led the song, stopped suddenly, and with a Yankee exclamation, more forcible than polite, declared that he hoped he might go to Davy Jones' locker if his eyes didn't see "Lieutenant Tempest a-coming aboard theLively Bee."
"Shiver my timbers, but you are right, sir," answered Mr. Watson, "and it is a right good day for theLively Bee."
It was true.
In the captain's boat, seated by the side of Vernon, was John Tempest, who had declined the offers made by Captain Hull, and had thrown in his fate with that of the privateer.
A hearty ringing cheer from the crew welcomed the young man on board, and Scarron led off with the chorus, which was then so popular in the navy:
"'Charge the can cheerily,Send it round merrily;Here's to our country and captains commanding.'"
"'Charge the can cheerily,Send it round merrily;Here's to our country and captains commanding.'"
"Thank you, boys! I am glad to be with you again," responded Tempest.
"But you've seen some good fighting, sir."
"Ay, ay, Scarron, and nearly got drowned," answered the young officer.
"So I heard, sir, so I heard! That was a brave Englishman, that same captain."
"Brave, yes; but do you know, Scarron, he is now saying that theGuerrierewas not in fighting trim."
"Ha, ha, ha! That is a good 'un. Why, when Rodgers' fleet was outside New York, didn't that same Dacres send word that theGuerrierecould fight and sink the whole of Uncle Sam's navy?"
"So he did, Scarron, so he did. But theGuerriereis at the bottom of the sea now."
"Now, boys!" shouted the captain, "bid good-by to your sweethearts, for we're off to the Indies, and shall not return until we can tow some prizes into port, and then won't we make the dollars jingle? Let us have a rousing good chorus, Mr. Scarron, before we settle down to duty."
"'Charge the can cheerily,Send it round merrily;Here's to our country and captains commanding.'"
"'Charge the can cheerily,Send it round merrily;Here's to our country and captains commanding.'"
Again and again did the crew of theLively Beerepeat the chorus, and as they sang the anchor was weighed, the sails all set, and the privateer was skimming the water as proud and trim as ever.
"She is a taut little craft," said Vernon exultingly as he looked from deck to rigging.
"Indeed she is, captain, and she deserves to be successful."
"As she must be."
"Whither are you bound?" asked Tempest after a long pause.
"I was thinking of the Indies. What say you?"
"I think you are right. If we want prizes we must get away from the fleet. Any prize taken will be so muchglory for the navy, so we must work alone. Now, if we can get to Jamaica, we shall be sure to find some rich prizes."
"Yes, all the way from a seventy-four to a big merchantman with coffee and sugar, worth——"
"Anywhere between thirty and a hundred thousand dollars."
"The risk is great."
"That is just what we like."
The two men were well agreed, and Tempest knew that the captain of the privateer was as stanch as ever.
For many days theLively Beesailed over the waters without meeting with any hostile ship, and only taking a few small prizes.
One morning Lieutenant Tempest called out suddenly:
"All hands! make sail!"
Vernon was in his cabin, but heard the order and thought his watchful lieutenant saw a storm brewing. He hurried on deck and saw three war vessels in the distance, with their bows pointed in the direction of theLively Bee.
"Who are they?"
"British, sir, without a doubt."
"Then we must run."
"I am afraid so, sir; we could not fight three frigates at once."
"No, no. Well, we are safe."
And he spoke rightly.
TheLively Beewas in no danger. With her fine lines and great speed of canvas, she could take advantage of every change of the wind, and pursue it to the uttermost.
TheLively Beewould fly with a puff of wind, while the big ships would scarcely move.
Before noon the sharp eyes of the first officer had madeout theFrolicand thePoietiers, both heavily manned frigates.
"It is no good tackling them," said the captain.
"No, but they may attack us."
"We will keep out of range."
"They are getting ready to lower the boats, and will board us."
"That is what I was afraid of," answered Captain Vernon.
"Get out the sweeps, boys, and pull with all your might."
Slowly, but with a quicker motion than was possible for the war ships, theLively Beegot out of the range of theFrolicandPoietiers.
But there was the third Britisher, a brig, which Tempest had not taken much notice of.
Suddenly the young officer shouted to the captain:
"A merchantman!"
"Where away?"
"Being convoyed by the war ships."
It was true. The third vessel was a rich merchantman, which had been traveling under the protection of the men-of-war.
By some miscalculation she had drifted away from her escort, and was practically defenseless.
"If we can't take her we can make her valueless," said Tempest.
"Do you think so?"
"Let me try."
"TheLively Beeis at your service."
Lieutenant Tempest stepped forward.
"Clear away the long gun. We'll fire one shot, anyway."
The men were delighted, although it looked like a piece of impudence and folly.
"Load carefully. I will sight the gun myself," said Tempest.
The men in the sweeps watched the action and awaited commands.
"Avast pulling!"
The oars rested. TheLively Beedrifted over the smooth water.
Tempest took very deliberate sights. Then, when satisfied, he stepped back from the breech.
"Fire!"
The shot went skimming through the air, and struck the merchantman in the waist.
The British warships heard the report, and seemed astounded at the sauciness of the littleLively Bee.
Such impudence could not be allowed to go unpunished.
But Tempest had no intention of being caught just then.
"Give way, boys, in those sweeps! Make all you can."
The crew did pull with all their might, and theLively Beeseemed to fly over the water.
TheFrolicfired a broadside at the privateer, but all the ammunition was wasted, as theLively Beewas out of range.
Another shot was fired at the merchantman, and her mainmast went over with an awful crash.
"Now we must run for it, but it does seem a pity," said Captain Vernon.
"Do not be in too great a hurry."
The long gun was loaded again, and a third shot went raking the deck of the unfortunate vessel.
"Look out; we are in for squalls now!" shouted Vernon.
And almost within a pistol shot was theFrolic'slong boat, with a crew of boarders.
"Beat to quarters!" shouted Vernon.
He was only just in time.
The daring Britishers clambered up the chains, they swung themselves into the rigging, and gained the deck of theLively Beewith astonishing alertness.
Headed by their officers, the crew of the privateer clutched their cutlasses with firm grip, and met the invaders.
It was a terrible fight.
Confined within the small space of the deck of the schooner, four dozen men were cutting and slashing at each other with savage fury.
Lieutenant Smith of theFrolicwas wounded dangerously almost the minute he landed.
The deck was covered with blood.
So many men were killed that their bodies became a menace and a danger to the living, who fell over them and endangered their lives.
Tempest had struck terrifically at one of the British, but missed because the man stepped back, and the privateer's way was blocked by a dead body.
With wonderful celerity Tempest picked up the corpse and threw it overboard.
His example was instantly followed, and every dead body was given to the waves, and alas! some of the wounded met the same watery grave.
The fight did not last long.
The British were beaten so thoroughly that the few survivors begged for mercy.
It was only after the fight that Vernon discovered that the two men-of-war had escaped.
The merchantman drifted about helplessly, and was soon boarded by the crew of the privateer.
She proved to be a rich prize, and her captain could not help admiring the courage of the privateer who had taken his vessel away from two of the most noted war ships of the British navy.
It was not cowardice which caused the two vessels to escape.
Just on the verge of the horizon they saw some American men-of-war, and they determined to give chase, leaving the merchantman a prize in the hands of the privateer.
The boarding crew had been deserted only when it was found that they stood no chance of capturing theLively Bee.
Although the captain of the merchantman admired the privateer's courage, he was none the less grieved over the loss of his vessel and her rich cargo.
Five of the English boarders had been taken prisoners, and to these he went.
He made them liberal offers if they would but break loose and aid him in retaking his ship.
They were not averse to the project, if they saw the slightest chance of success.
Circumstances favored them.
Captain Vernon sent the prisoners on board the merchant prize, and placed Tempest in command.
The prisoner-captain was permitted his freedom on parole.
He gave his sacred word that he would not try to escape, and yet his heart was full of treachery, his brain occupied in hatching schemes of mutiny.
That night a heavy fog sprang up, and the two vessels dare not stay too close together.
That was the opportunity.
With cat-like tread the captain descended to the cabin, where the English sailors were imprisoned.
Lieutenant Tempest had grave suspicions about the man's honesty, and set himself to watch him.
From a point of vantage he heard every word, and formed his plans.
The prisoners were not placed in irons, and so only theslight barrier of a door stood between them and the freedom of the deck.
The night was dark and the fog more dense.
It was at three bells, or half-past one in the morning, that the attempt was to be made.
Tempest arranged his plans, and to all appearance everything went on as usual.
A few minutes before the striking of three bells, three of the crew of theLively Beemight have been seen creeping cautiously to the top of the companionway.
Had any one been there to watch most minutely, he would have seen that each of the three was armed with pistol and marlin-spike.
The bells struck, and a man felt his way cautiously up the companionway.
He had only just slipped on the deck when a terrific blow from a marlin spike held by Tempest felled him to the deck.
Another man crept up just as quietly to meet the same fate, while a third, thinking something was wrong, saved his life by hesitating.
Tempest turned a flash from his lantern down the steps and saw the merchant captain handing a pistol to the hesitating sailor.
A quick shot pierced the traitor's heart, and the sailor fell on his knees and begged for mercy.
Thus ended the attempt to recapture the prize.
In the morning theLively Beetowed the merchant prize into port and placed her in the hands of a reliable agent for sale.
THE WASP'S STING.