And Tempest had answered:
"At the bottom of the sea. All lost save honor."
Then the story was told.
"The Lively Bee had reached the roadstead of Fayal. The neutral flag of Portugal floated from its citadel, and I thought we were safe.
"But while we were lying in the port, getting fresh provisions and repainting, a British squadron, composed of the Plantagenet, seventy-four guns; the Rota, thirty-eight, and Carnation, eighteen, hove in sight.
"The governor of Fayal sent for me and said he was too weak in military forces to protect me, so I must take my chance.
"At night four barges, let fall from the enemy's ships, each manned by forty men, made toward us.
"I ordered to beat to quarters, and when my men were at their posts I shouted:
"'What boat is that? Answer or I'll fire.'
"You know I had four guns, as well as the long one, and when the British refused to answer I ordered a broadside to be fired.