"The _Hornet_ and _Constitution_ were to cruise in company, while Porter was to waylay West Indiamen, and after a certain time proceed southward, calling at several South American ports, with a view to join Bainbridge. "When the two vessels reached the port of Praya in the island of St. Jago, it became necessary to practice a little deception. "The two vessels floated the British flag, and the officers took off every eagle button from their uniform. "Then, with the greatest audacity, the officers next prepared to land. "They called on the governor, and paid their respects to his family, and asked permission to leave letters for Sir James Yeo, one of his Britannic majesty's naval commanders. "The request was granted, and Bainbridge wrote the letters. "But what had they to do with an English captain?" asked Hamilton. "Ha, ha, ha! They had to find an excuse for landing." "But----? "Oh, I know what you would say, but the fact remains, they left the letters, and daring productions they were. "But the best part of the whole thing was that, had Porter visited Praya, he would have called on the governor and asked for letters for Yeo. "Then Bainbridge's letters would be handed to him. He would read them in the solitude of his own cabin, for he knew that between the lines another letter was written in sympathetic ink, and it was this letter which would most interest him." "But what if the governor knew Yeo?" asked Tempest. "That Porter would have to find out, and should the British captain be known, then Porter would take his cue and be an ambassador from the gallant Sir James Yeo. "It was a daring plan, but succeeded. Then the Americans sailed away and reached San Salvador. "As Brazil is at peace with us, there was no need for deception, and Captain Lawrence of the _Hornet_ was sent in to see the American Consul. "Lawrence returned greatly excited. "In the harbor was the English ship _Bonne Citoyenne_, of twenty guns, and just about to sail for England. "The _Hornet_ carries eighteen guns, so what did Lawrence do but send an officer to the _Bonne Citoyenne_, with a formal challenge to the captain to come out of the harbor and try conclusions with the _Hornet_. "Every assurance was given that the _Constitution_ would lay in the offing, and take no part in the fight. "The English captain answered the challenge most courteously, but declined to accept it." "What reason did he give?" asked Tempest. "Of course he was afraid," exclaimed Hamilton. "But would never acknowledge it." "No, but I suppose he pleaded that it might compromise Brazil." "You are both wrong," answered Vernon. "He said he had on board five hundred pounds sterling, which he was conveying to England, and that to meet the _Hornet_ would be unwise, as it would place the money in jeopardy." "Don't you wish the _Lively Bee_ was on the _Bonne Citoyenne's_ track?" asked Tempest. "Yes, but what could the _Bee_ do against twenty guns?"