"What reason did he give?" asked Tempest.
"Of course he was afraid," exclaimed Hamilton.
"But would never acknowledge it."
"No, but I suppose he pleaded that it might compromise Brazil."
"You are both wrong," answered Vernon. "He said he had on board five hundred pounds sterling, which he was conveying to England, and that to meet the Hornet would be unwise, as it would place the money in jeopardy."
"Don't you wish the Lively Bee was on the Bonne Citoyenne's track?" asked Tempest.
"Yes, but what could the Bee do against twenty guns?"
"The Lively Bee would find a way to sting."
"I am glad you have such a strong faith in the Bee, but to proceed with my story: The Hornet, when it found the Bonne Citoyenne would not fight, remained outside the harbor, as a blockader, while the Constitution continued to cruise alone.
"Three days only elapsed before she sighted two vessels, well into the shore.