"Yet we will not be taken—at least not alive."
There was a determination in the conduct of the privateersman which endeared him to his crew.
Had he ordered each man to shoot himself, no one would have hesitated.
They gave their captain the most explicit obedience.
The Peacock drew nearer and challenged the Lively Bee to show its colors.
"You shall have them. Up with the flag of the free, boys!"
And the Stars and Stripes was run up the halliards, while a ringing cheer burst from the crew of the privateer.
The Union Jack of England was soon run up in answer, and followed by a shot.
The cannon ball fell wide of the mark and a sarcastic cheer was borne over the water to the Peacock.
A broadside was fired at the Lively Bee, but again only an upheaval of the water was the result.