"Now, clap on all sail, for it is our only chance," cried Vernon, and the _Lively Bee_ began to make better headway. They could see the _Peacock_ black with men, and saw that the wreck of the foretopmast was cleared away in a comparatively short space of time. "Now, boys," said Vernon, "the chase has commenced. Hurrah for the _Lively Bee_!" The men cheered lustily, and feared not the British frigate, for they had obtained a good start. Suddenly the heavy boom of a gun startled the crew of the _Lively Bee_. On the starboard side loomed up a man-of-war, from whose gaff there floated the Stars and Stripes. The _Peacock_ shivered from bow to stern as the shot raked her deck, and she knew she was powerless, for her guns would not reach as far. "Who is she?" asked Tempest. Captain Vernon looked through his glass at the newcomer, and a loud, ringing cheer burst from the crew of the _Lively Bee_, as he spelled out the word: "_C-o-n-s-t-i-t-u-t-i-o-n._" "The _Peacock_ will lose its tail," said Scarron. "We shall see some fun," added Mr. Webster. And the _Lively Bee_ saluted the big war ship, and awaited further developments. The _Peacock_, finding itself too far away from the _Constitution_, fired a broadside at the privateer, which had allowed itself to get within range. The shots tore up a portion of the deck, and a splinter struck Vernon on the shoulder, ploughing a furrow through his flesh. Tempest applied the match to his long gun again, and as the shot flew through the air, he prayed it might disable the Britisher. A cry of distress was plainly heard from the _Peacock_, and later it was known that the captain and four of his men had been killed by that shot. The senior officer turned the ship about, and instead of being the pursuer was now the pursued. The men on the _Constitution_ cheered the little privateer, and the salute was warmly responded to by our friends. CHAPTER X. PREPARING FOR ACTION. The _Lively Bee_, privateer, had won the laurels of war, though she had not shared in the prizes, and Captain Vernon saw that the crew were getting somewhat dissatisfied. He called all hands on deck. "Men, under the shadow of the U. S. frigate _Constitution_ I offer you terms," he said. All listened attentively, for all were in wonder as to his meaning. "You are all fighters, and I believe desire to see the Stars and Stripes honored on the sea as well as on land. Is not that so?" "It is. I can speak for all hands, captain," said Mr. Scarron. "I knew it. I don't think there is one on board the _Lively Bee_ who would value his life above liberty, but all are ready to die fighting for our flag." "That is true as gospel, captain." "The commander of the _Constitution_ will take you all on board, and you can have your fill of fighting the enemy. You will be regular men then, with no risks other than all who engage in war will share with you.