It was four o'clock in the afternoon when Commodore Rodgers leaped into the rigging to take another view of his adversary.
He was well satisfied.
His heart beat with enthusiasm.
War had been declared, and he was to be the one to fire the first shot at the British power on the seas.
For although the privateer had done effectual work, the navy did not give it credit.
Rodgers went to the bow of the President and sighted the gun himself.
His shot was a good one, hulling the enemy.
Captain Vernon saw it through his glass and he cried out loudly:
"Bravo, Rodgers! Give him another!"