"Can we reach Jamaica without molestation?" asked Vernon.
"Easily, if your ship can fly as she ought."
The vessels had now got within pistol-shot, and Vernon could see that the Regina carried two guns.
He began to be suspicious.
Perhaps the ship was not a merchantman at all, but a regularly equipped man-of-war, with a good fighting crew below deck.
However, "faint heart never won fair lady," and Vernon determined to take the initiative.
He gave his orders to Scarron, and instantly the English flag was lowered, while the Stars and Stripes ran proudly up the halliards.
But the change was noticed quickly by the Regina, and almost as quick as a lightning flash, a large crew burst upon the deck, armed with cutlasses and boarding irons.