When he left the Delaware in command of the U. S. ship Wasp, to fight the British, he determined that his vessel should be as great a torment to the enemy as the insect after which she was named was to people on shore.
After a few days' cruising he fell in with the Lively Bee, and learned that the Frolic and Poietiers were cruising about in the waters nearby.
Not long after a bunch of sails was sighted at some distance.
The most careful examination failed to reveal the character of the strangers.
Jones was filled with curiosity.
He drew nearer the strange ships and reconnoitered.
The wind was blowing great guns, and a heavy sea was running.
Only the day before, the Wasp had lost her jibboom, with two sailors who were upon it.
The American seemed thoroughly at home in a storm.
His whole soul was in his work, and he cared not for wind or hurricane.