"I don't understand."
"The purchasers intend fitting the Caroline up as a privateer, carrying four or six long guns, and you are offered the command."
"My dear sir, not all the wealth of the Indies could purchase my consent."
"Why?"
"The Caroline is a fine boat. She would make a good war ship, but she has not the lines of a privateer. It would be impossible to fly from pursuers, or even to pursue. No, no, the Lively Bee is my home."
"I told the factor as much, and I was then commissioned to offer the command to Mr. Tempest. What say you, sir?"
"That I am flattered, Hamilton, but I am lieutenant of the Lively Bee, and for this war I shall tread her deck."
"Bravo, Tempest! But what do you think brought me here?"
"We have wondered, but our wonderment could not be satisfied."