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 the Lively Bee towed the merchant prize into port and placed her in the hands of a reliable agent for sale.
[CHAPTER XV.]
THE WASP'S STING.
"Like the fierce bird of Jove the Wasp darted forth,
And he the tale told, with amazement and wonder.
She hurled on the foe from her flame-spreading arms
The firebands of death and the red bolts of thunder."
Captain Jacob Jones was one of the proudest men in the American navy; his pride had good foundation, for he had served in the war with Tripoli and had been a captive among the barbarians of Northern Africa.