Is a sailor’s life at sea.”
A loud chorus of cheers greeted the song, and Bill retired, covered with glory and embarrassment.
CHAPTER IV.
It was on the first day of September that the Providence sighted a large ship, which was mistaken for an Indiaman, homeward bound. She proved to be the Solebay, frigate, with twenty guns mounted on one deck. On seeing the Providence, the Solebay made for her, and the sloop had to take to her heels. But the Solebay proved to be a magnificent sailer on the wind, and the Providence had evidently more than her match in speed. The Providence, small as she was, had cleared for action, for, as Paul Jones declared, “I will give her one round, if I go to the bottom for it.” The men highly approved of this sentiment, and the little four-pounders were run out to salute the flag the Providence carried—because her fire was little more than a salute.
The day was warm and clear, and the breeze fresh. The little Providence was legging it briskly over the water, but the Solebay gained upon her every hour. The chase had begun about noon, and by four o’clock the frigate was within pistol shot. Paul Jones was on the horse block of his little vessel, and Bill Green was at the wheel. Danny Dixon had gravely prepared for action upon the sly hints given by his friend and patron, Bill. The boy had stripped to the waist, and, wrapping a handkerchief about his head, instead of his hat, was all ready to take his place at the head of the line of powder boys.
As the frigate gained more and more on the little Providence, every heart sank except that of the dauntless captain. Paul Jones, however, remained calm, and even confident.
“Look,” said he, “their guns in broadside are fast. They think they can take us by firing a bow chaser, but they are mistaken. What would be easier than to bear away before the wind under their broadside?”
The Providence had all her light canvas set, and was flying like a bird from her pursuer; but the pursuer was nevertheless perceptibly gaining.
“We will show our ensign as well as give her a volley,” cried Paul Jones gayly, and the next moment the American colors fluttered out.
To their surprise, the Solebay now hoisted American colors too.