“What ship is this?” he demanded weakly.
“The Continental sloop-of-war, Ranger,” answered John Paul Jones, still smiling. “I think your commander has been in search of us.”
“He has,” answered the lieutenant, filled with anger at the result of his own and his captain’s lack of caution. “And he’ll sink you now, sir, you may be sure.”
“That remains to be seen.”
The American looked toward the Drake, which was now hoisting her anchors and apparently preparing to come out, and added:
“The Drake seems a pretty ship, indeed, in daylight. I have only seen her once before, and that was under cover of night. She looks as though she would offer a very interesting battle indeed.”
“You may be sure of that, sir,” answered the British officer stiffly.
Both he and his boat’s crew were disarmed and sent below; then their boat was cast off and the Ranger made ready for action. While this was being done Ethan cried suddenly to Captain Jones:
“Look there, sir!”
He pointed toward the British ship as he spoke; and the captain saw a number of boats containing soldiers, pulling out to her.