"Not yet," was the reply.
Lieutenant Morris paced the deck, almost angry at his captain.
The Guerriere fired another broadside, and as the shots tore away some of the rigging, the officer muttered to himself:
"There will be mutiny if we don't take action."
Low as he spoke, Tempest heard him.
"Do you think so?"
"Did you hear? I am sorry I uttered my thoughts aloud. I am afraid; the gunners are getting very impatient."
Tempest saw the captain pacing the deck, and the vessels were getting so close together that it looked as if the American intended to board the Britisher.
Again Morris asked if he should fire a broadside, and again came the answer:
"Not yet."