A broadside was fired, but the shots fell short of the Lively Bee.
It was as Tempest thought—she had only light guns.
One more shot was fired by the young lieutenant, and a hole was bored in the bow of the cruiser.
"We have taught her a lesson, captain, but we cannot fight her."
"No; what do you intend doing?"
"The fleet is near."
"I see; I think I understand."
Captain Vernon walked down to his cabin, leaving all command in the hands of his young officer.
"He has spunk, and I like him; he has grit and will pull through," he said, as he threw himself down on the seat.
Tempest lowered the Stars and Stripes, and the Britisher took it, as he intended, as a sign of surrender.