Abraham Whipple.
"Good!" laughed Max; "and I think he never did catch him,—did he, Papa?"
"No, though he made every effort to do so, being greatly angered by the impudent reply."
"But you don't blame Whipple for answering him in that way,—do you, Papa?" queried Lulu.
"I can't say that I do," her father said with a slight smile. "And I think the legislature of Rhode Island did a right and wise thing in fitting out two armed vessels to drive Sir James and his frigate out of Narragansett Bay, giving the command of them, and thus the honour of firing the first gun in the naval service of the Revolution, to Captain Whipple."
"Oh, that was splendid!" cried several young voices.
"That gave Washington a hint," continued the Captain, "and he authorized the fitting out of several vessels as privateers, manning them with these sailor-soldiers."
"What is a privateer, Papa?" asked Gracie.
"A vessel belonging to some private person, or to more than one, sailing in time of war, with a license from Government to seize, plunder, and destroy the vessels of the enemy, and any goods they may carry, wherever found afloat."
"And how do they differ from transports, brother Levis?" asked Rosie.