Finally, after a long scrutiny, Jones's face lit up with exultation.

There were only two vessels of war in the fleet, and he immediately gave the signal for pursuit.
The _Serapis_, commanded by Captain Pearson, knew that he was confronted by the redoubtable Paul Jones, and he welcomed a fight with him, for the British captain was one of the bravest of men.

He signalled for the merchantmen to scatter, and they did so with the utmost haste, while the frigate with her consort, the _Countess of Scarborough_, boldly advanced to engage the American squadron.
It was at this critical moment that the captain of the _Alliance_ once more showed his insubordination.

He refused to obey Jones's signal to fall to the rear of the _Bonhomme Richard_ and the _Pallas_ for a time was equally disobedient.

Soon, however, she changed her conduct and gallantly advanced to engage the _Countess of Scarborough_.