Again and again did the crew of the Lively Bee repeat 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 much glory 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."