"She must weather the gale, for the Lively Bee has work to do."
But what a storm she encountered! Captain Vernon thought of the big war ships, and feared for them.
He strained his ears to listen for the solemn booming of the signal gun of some vessel in distress.
His fears were more for the others than for his own tight little craft.
"The water is coming fast in the hold," said Scarron.
"All hands to the pumps, then!"
The men worked with a will.
They were accustomed to danger, and they did not magnify their trouble.
But it was an anxious night.
Not a star illumined the sky.