"Do you think so?"
"Let me try."
"The Lively Bee is 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!"