These two men differed in their plans for the conduct of the war. Lord Carlisle wished to offer a proclamation to the Colonists, openly conceding everything that the people demanded except absolute independence. But Sir Henry chafed under this means of procedure. He saw that such a course implied the failure of the military to deal with the problem of subduing the Americans. He contended that a decisive stroke must be made by the army before any terms should be offered the rebellious Colonists. Carlisle spoke impatiently when the ship was looming up in full view: “I hope that Germaine has sent Barclugh with definite instructions as to our course. We are losing valuable time and opportunity here by reason of our inactivity.” This last word was a distinct challenge to Clinton, who lowered his glass long enough to look squarely at Carlisle and remark spiritedly: “There is no use to waste words, my Lord. We cannot afford to sacrifice the reputation of English arms; it would be suicidal. Treat with the rascals? Yes, when they have felt the force of our power. Now that they have formed an alliance with our ancient enemy we must deal them a crushing blow, first.” Carlisle, however, was insisting upon the right of the commissioners to dictate the policy, yet he did not care how the results were attained so long as his mission to America was successful. Fox and Selwyn would see that he was properly rewarded, provided the Colonies were not lost. “Very good, Sir Henry,” retorted Carlisle, when the General stood before him in an attitude of defiance, “but the longer that we wait, the farther apart we drift. I am intent upon activities in one way or another.” “There she comes to,” continued Sir Henry, as he resumed his spying investigations. “By the speed that she comes up the bay, I believe that she may be the Prince Harry, the fastest cruiser of the Admiralty’s register.” “How deluded these rebels are to hold out against such odds on the sea,” exclaimed Sir Henry, with animation. “How magnificent to behold the seamanship of our sailors! Behold them swarm the yard-arms! There go the anchors to the catheads! She swings to the cable! Her sails are stowed in a twinkling! What discipline! I maintain our sovereignty of the seas and we have no business to beg a settlement except at our own terms,” concluded General Clinton as he turned upon Lord Carlisle, waving his little fat hands and arms majestically. Carlisle saw where Sir Henry had placed him when he appealed to an Englishman’s vanity, his ships; but he looked at General Clinton through those blue eyes for an instant and fell back upon the only argument that an Englishman could never withstand.