Not one glimmer of light could be seen.
Angry waves broke over the deck of the Lively Bee, and the boards creaked and groaned like living things.
The masts bent beneath the weight of rigging, and every moment it was feared that they would go over.
"Tempest, are you afraid?" asked the captain.
"No, sir; but if I have to die soon, I'd rather it be in a struggle with an English ship."
"Ay, ay; so would I. But we must be ready, for death won't wait our pleasure."
"You do not think," and Tempest paused; he did not like to shape his thoughts in words.
"I think the Lively Bee will weather the storm, but I may not."
"You are low-spirited. Oh!"