"Come, my boys," said Captain Vernon, "we have to overtake the _Lively Bee_ before she reaches the Narrows, and it is a long pull." Vernon took the helm, young Tempest the bow oar, and a tough old salt the oar next him. It was not until they were seated that Tempest saw the face of the sailor next him, and at once took a fancy to him. Captain Vernon gave the command in a loud, ringing voice: "Oars down! Give way!" The oars fell into the water with splendid precision, and the boat made a spurt forward. "You will find, Mr. Tempest, that on board the _Lively Bee_ we have such discipline that we move like machines." All the rowers bent to their work, and the captain cheered them with words of praise. At times he would pretend to be angry. "You lazy lubbers, are you asleep? Come, rouse up, or we'll never reach the _Lively Bee_." The men did pull with more spirit after every outburst of grumbling or reprimand. Governor's Island was passed, the little boat was saluted by the captain of the _Essex_, and Vernon felt proud. "Tom Mullen, start us a good rousing chorus--that one you sang when we chased the French." Tempest was surprised, for he had not known that the new sailor was known to the captain, or had sailed with him against the French. The rough old salt, in a voice which had more of the nature of a fog horn than a human being, started singing: "Americans, then fly to arms, And learn the way to use 'em; If each man fights to 'fend his rights, The English can't abuse 'em. Yankee Doodle--mind the tune-- Yankee Doodle Dandy; For Britons there's trouble brewin'-- We'll spank 'em, hard and handy." All joined in the chorus, and Tempest looked surprised, for he had all the prejudices of the navy against the lax discipline of a privateer or merchantman. "I changed my gaff a little, cap'n, for we ain't a-fightin' Johnny Crapaud any more, but the redcoats," said Mullen, well pleased with himself for having inserted the word English for French in the doggerel. "You did right, Tom, and if we all fight as well as you sing we'll come back with our pockets full of chinks and a lot of British prizes in tow." The _Lively Bee_ was still a long way ahead, and Captain Vernon shouted to the rowers: "Now my hearties, don't get stiff-backed. Crack the oars! Now, then, bend away!" The day was hot. Those on shore were bathed in perspiration. Had thermometers been so plentiful in the streets then as they are now they would have told the sweating crowd that ninety degrees in the shade had been reached. But if standing still, watching the great war vessels sail lazily out of the harbor, was hot work, what must those sailors in the captain's boat have experienced as they rowed through the waters of the bay at racing speed. "You lazy lubbers, I guess you think you're in church with your wives, and can go to sleep. Rouse up, will you, and land me on the _Lively Bee_."