"Yes, sir."
The darkness increased so rapidly that it was impossible to do any effective fighting, and as the Lively Bee and Caroline would have to contend against a well-equipped man-of-war, it seemed the height of imprudence to attempt a surprise.
A boat was lowered from the Caroline, but no sooner did it strike the water than a gun was fired from the English vessel.
This was warning so significant that the boat did not proceed on its trip, and yet Tempest wanted to communicate with the Lively Bee.
"I tell you, sir, only a good swimmer could reach the privateer safely," said Scarron.
"But who could swim that distance?" asked Tempest.
"There is Bob, the powder-monkey."
"Do you think——"
"That he would go? Why, sir, Bob would let his head be used as a rammer for a cannon if he thought he could serve the Republic."
"Send him to me."