"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 the Lively Bee sailed 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 the Lively 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."