"I'd humble that proud Briton if I had my way," answered the young lieutenant.
"Can we do it?"
"I'd like to try."
"Do as you please; the Lively Bee shall be under your orders," answered Captain Vernon, and young Tempest raised his hand to heaven, while from his lips there arose a cry, which was like the registering of a solemn oath.
"Before heaven I swear my hand shall know no rest, my life no pleasure, until the British acknowledge our right to liberty!"
"Amen!" responded Vernon.
And the Lively Bee started in the darkness of night in the wake of the Belvidera.
But in the night a storm arose; the thunder shook the schooner, making every timber creak and groan like a living thing in anguish.
The lightning played about the rigging, and Captain Vernon wrung his hands in despair.
"Can she live through it?" he asked.