Soon all was activity on board the Lively Bee.
Every preparation was made, but so secretly that not even the strongest glass could discern much out of the ordinary going on.
To the merchant captain the Lively Bee appeared to be a schooner waiting about for any chance wreckage; or merely with a desire to see the naval fight; for, as we know, the privateer had a most innocent look.
"One broadside from the Poietiers will sink us," remarked Tempest.
"Certainly, therefore I would not risk a fight until night," answered Vernon.
Leaving the privateer, let us look at the merchantman, whose fate was trembling in the balance.
As Vernon had said, the Caroline was one of the richest prizes in American waters.
She was a stanch, trim brig, and as beautiful as any picture.
In fact, so clean was her hull, so bright her deck, the rigging was so new and perfect, that it was really hard to believe she had buffeted the waves or encountered any storms.