"Tom Mullen, start us a good rousing chorus—that one you sang when we chased the French."
Tempest was surprised, for he had not known that the new sailor was known to the captain, or had sailed with him against the French.
The rough old salt, in a voice which had more of the nature of a fog horn than a human being, started singing:
"Americans, then fly to arms,
And learn the way to use 'em;
If each man fights to 'fend his rights,
The English can't abuse 'em.
Yankee Doodle—mind the tune—
Yankee Doodle Dandy;
For Britons there's trouble brewin'—
We'll spank 'em, hard and handy."
All joined in the chorus, and Tempest looked surprised, for he had all the prejudices of the navy against the lax discipline of a privateer or merchantman.
"I changed my gaff a little, cap'n, for we ain't a-fightin' Johnny Crapaud any more, but the redcoats," said Mullen, well pleased with himself for having inserted the word English for French in the doggerel.
"You did right, Tom, and if we all fight as well as you sing we'll come back with our pockets full of chinks and a lot of British prizes in tow."
The Lively Bee was still a long way ahead, and Captain Vernon shouted to the rowers:
"Now my hearties, don't get stiff-backed. Crack the oars! Now, then, bend away!"