When within gun range, Vernon fired a shot across the Englishman's bow.
This was answered, and the stranger slackened sail.
The two vessels were now only a musket-shot away, and Vernon saw that the stranger was the Regina, of Torquay.
"Whither bound?" asked Vernon through the speaking trumpet.
"To Baltimore."
"What cargo?"
"Tin, and tinplates."
"Have you met with any Yankee men-of-war?"
"No. But two English ships are eastward ten degrees."