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 the Frolic's long 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 the Lively Bee with astonishing alertness.