Such a discovery was too important to be concealed from the Lively Bee, and early the next morning Captain Vernon was signaled, and put off in a boat for the Regina.
Tempest told Vernon of his suspicion, and a general overhauling of the cargo resulted in the finding of over a hundred thousand pounds sterling.
The cargo was consigned to Thomas Arbuthnot, and Vernon remembered that the paymaster of the English army bore that name.
It was the richest prize taken during the war, and Vernon declared that if he was allowed to keep the prize he would quit privateering, and settle down on shore.
All speed was made to land, and Vernon reported his capture to the government.
He was allowed to keep his prize, and so all the crew of the Lively Bee shared in the prize money, the amount of which almost took away their breath.