MARRIAGE AT SEA.
To Vernon's astonishment, he recognized Decatur in the boat.
No sooner did he recognize the honor than he ordered a salute to be fired, and the flag dipped.
The naval officer swung himself on deck, and eyed Vernon for a moment before speaking.
"Who are you, sir?"
"Harry Vernon, Captain Decatur, and I welcome you to as fine a prize as was ever taken from an enemy."
"My stars! And did your little schooner capture this?"
"Yes, captain, and these guns bear the name of his Britannic majesty'sMonarchon them. That made prize number two."
"I congratulate you. Your crew will be rich. But why did you want to see me? Why, zounds, sir, did you neglect to sign your name?"
Vernon, instead of replying, said, calmly:
"Captain Decatur, we captured more than you see. The captain of theCarolinehad abducted one of the most beautiful American girls I have ever seen. He tried to force her to marry him, but she stood out against his threats, saying she would kill herself rather than be his wife."
"Brave girl!"
"Her abductor was killed——"
"Good thing, for if he had been alive I would have strung him up to the yardarm."
Naval commanders had the power to execute any criminal, and they often took advantage of that, as theydid of another power vested in them—that of marrying. On the high seas a marriage ceremony performed by a captain, and duly entered on the ship's log, is as legal as if the presiding official was a clergyman or judge.
"Yes, he was killed in the engagement, but his prisoner is here. She loves most earnestly one of my officers——"
Captain Decatur laughed.
"You sly dog," he said. "I see; you want me to marry you. Ah, well, if she is worthy—but that is your lookout. It is your risk."
"You do not understand me, captain."
"Don't I? Well, speak up and tell me what you mean."
"Do you remember John Tempest? The man who blighted his career in our navy by expressing sympathy with James Vincent?"
"Vincent Decatur, you mean. My nephew, sir, as brave a man as ever walked, and brother of a girl—why, bless me, sir, that girl would charm the heart of an anchorite. She is the dearest, sweetest little doll that ever walked——"
"A ship's deck, uncle."
Bertha had heard her uncle's voice, and could not be restrained.
She had crept quietly up the companionway, and when she heard herself so warmly praised she was unable to resist longer.
"Bertha! Zounds! Where did you come from?"
"The cabin, uncle. I did not know my worth until you rehearsed it; then I could not resist. So, you dear old nunkey, you've come to see me. I made him send. You'll not be cross with him—now will you?"
"Were you the prisoner this gentleman spoke about?"
"Yes, uncle, and if it had not been for theLively Bee, of which Mr. Vernon is captain, I should have been dead before this."
"And so you want to marry him?"
"Yes, please, uncle."
"So you shall. Join hands—— What's the matter with you, sir?"
Vernon had stepped back, and the captain was at a loss to understand his meaning.
"I am not the happy man."
"Zounds! didn't you hear Bertha, my niece, say she wanted to marry you? And, by Jove! she shall have her way, or I'm not a captain in the United States navy."
Bertha scarcely understood what it all meant, but laying her hand on her uncle's arm, said:
"We do not want to marry until we reach land."
"Stuff and nonsense! I can tie you as tightly as any landlubber. Join hands, I say."
"I'll send for him, uncle, and see what he says."
"Send for him! Can't you see him standing there?"
"No, uncle, John is below."
"Who is John?"
"I am, sir. John Tempest, first lieutenant of theLively Bee, and at present commanding officer of theCaroline."
Captain Decatur did not speak.
"I sent the message to you. It was on Bertha's account; I thought you might wish her to go back with you."
"So you are here, John Tempest, are you? Well, well, my dignity says I ought not to recognize you, but my manhood says you're a brick, John Tempest, and if Bertha wants you, why, let her take you, and I'll give you my blessing."
"But, sir——"
"Join hands, I say, and I'll make you one. It is the law, sir. I am the holder of Uncle Sam's commission, and I can marry you as tightly as any one. Join hands, I say."
Bertha put out her hand toward Tempest.
What could he do but accept it?
No sooner were the two hands joined than Captain Decatur commenced:
"I call you all to witness that this man—what's your name, sir?—ah, yes, John Tempest, takes this woman—it is better than saying lady, my dear—Bertha Decatur, to be his wife. Now therefore I, being the lawful commander of the naval shipUnited States, do declare them to be legally married. And may the Lord have mercy on their souls!—I mean, may the Lord bless them;" and Decatur kissed the bride.
"Where is your log, sir?" asked Tempest. "I have only the one on theLively Bee; the log of theCarolineis British."
"Dear me, that's a pretty how d'ye do! I married you on a British ship, where I have no jurisdiction."
"No, Captain Decatur. TheCarolinehas been renamed theBertha, and two days ago the alteration was made in the log."
"Glad to hear it. But I'd like you to come over to my ship, and I'd marry you over again. Nay, no excuses; I insist."
"If you really insist, uncle, I shall appeal to my husband."
"Come, the boat is ready, and I want you tied so tight to this fellow that he cannot run away if he wanted to."
To humor the captain, Tempest and Bertha were taken on board theUnited States, where they were again married according to the laws governing the navy.
THE BALL AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
The Capital had gathered thereHer beauty and her chivalry; and brightThe lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men;A thousand hearts beat happily; and whenMusic arose with its voluptuous swell,Soft eyes look'd love to eyes which spake again,And all went merry as a marriage bell.
The Capital had gathered thereHer beauty and her chivalry; and brightThe lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men;A thousand hearts beat happily; and whenMusic arose with its voluptuous swell,Soft eyes look'd love to eyes which spake again,And all went merry as a marriage bell.
—Byron.
December was within three days of its close, and the people of Washington had chosen the night of the twenty-eighth for a grand ball and reception to the naval officers, whose victories had made their names historic.
Specially was Captain Stewart of theConstellationto be honored.
A brilliant company was gathered, and the White House never looked more lovely.
"Dolly" Madison was the mistress of the executive mansion, and we have all heard our fathers say how beautiful she was, and how charming as an entertainer.
Captain Hull of the victoriousConstitutionwas present, and to add to theéclatof the occasion the captured colors of theAlertandGuerrierewere draped on the wall.
Then there was a representation of theConstitution, rudely drawn, 'tis true, but it served the purpose.
Beneath it were the words:
"A bunch of pine boards, under a strip of striped bunting."
It wanted only a few minutes of midnight. The revelry was at its height.
A more brilliant scene could not be imagined.
The elegant toilets of the ladies, the gorgeous uniforms of the representatives of the army and navy, the bright court dresses of the diplomatic corps, looked dazzlingly beautiful beneath the light of a thousand wax candles held by multitudinous sconces.
An old-fashioned minuet was being danced, when a murmur passed through the room.
How it originated no one could have told, but all seemed to know that news of another victory had been brought.
The Secretary of the Navy left the room, and in a few minutes re-entered, accompanied by two officers wearing lieutenants' uniforms.
Men clapped their hands, women waved their handkerchiefs, and the scene was changed from one of terpsichorean pleasure to that of patriotic delight.
Then one of the lieutenants handed a document to the Secretary of the Navy, who read it in silence.
His face wore an expression of pleasure as he finished, and turning to the people he said in a voice husky with patriotic emotion:
"I have the proud privilege of introducing Lieutenant Hamilton of the good shipUnited States, who will tell you of an engagement on Christmas Day whereby the English lost their warshipMacedonian, forty-nine guns."
If the cabinet officer had intended saying anything more, he was doomed to disappointment, for the people's cheers drowned all utterance.
When silence had been obtained, the secretary led another lieutenant forward.
"This, ladies and gentlemen, is Lieutenant Tempest, of theLively Bee, privateer. He has to tell of the sinking of his Britannic majesty's shipMonarch, and the capture of the armed merchantman, theCaroline."
Again the cheers resounded, and Tempest saw himselfreflected in the mirrors as the recipient of a glorious ovation.
But when it was known that the two heroes had brought with them the colors of the captured vessels, the enthusiasm exceeded everything imaginable.
Captains Hull and Stewart were commissioned by the President to bring in the captured trophies.
When they re-entered the hall, Captain Hull and Lieutenant Hamilton carried the flag taken from theMacedonian, while Captain Stewart and Tempest performed the same act with theMonarch'scolors.
Amid the plaudits of the people the flags were laid before Mrs. Madison, who allowed the young officers to kiss her hand.
The order was given to proceed to the banquet hall, and the people were moving that way when Dolly Madison, catching sight of two boys waiting outside, asked who they were.
"Jack Creamer of theUnited States, and Bob of theLively Bee. It was Bob, Mrs. Madison, who captured the colors of theMonarch——"
"Is that really true?"
The incident was told by Tempest, and when the guests had taken their seats Mrs. Madison made room on her right hand for Bob, the powder-monkey.
"The health of Commodore Decatur and the officers and crew of theUnited States," proposed the toastmaster, and our friend Bob, who thought theLively Beeshould have taken precedence, added in a loud voice:
"And don't forget theLively Bee, privateer."
THE MARRIAGE AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
One can easily imagine the consternation in that brilliant assembly when Bob, the powder-monkey of the privateer, took upon himself the duties of toastmaster, and asked that distinguished gathering of banqueters to drink to the officers and crew of theLively Bee.
The diplomatic corps looked aghast.
There wasn't one of the nations they represented but would employ privateers if at war, but they would not just then acknowledge it.
As one quaint old sea dog put it.
"A privateer is a man who does all the dirty work in a naval war, receives all the kicks, and watches others enjoy the glories."
So, while all nations employed privateers, they never recognized the officers and crews as being other than patriotic pirates.
The gathering was, however, full of enthusiasm, and Dolly Madison herself led the drinking of the toast.
Secretary of the Navy, Paul Hamilton, responded for the government, and complimented theLively Beeon attacking and capturing a war vessel.
"That was a brave act, and even though she sailed under a letter of marque, we must acknowledge that she did the State great service."
Then Lieutenant Tempest acknowledged the toast, while Lieutenant Hamilton merely bowed.
Bob was close to Mrs. Madison, and was particularly pleased with himself.
He heard the President's wife say:
"What a handsome man that young privateer is!"
Bob leaned over the lady's shoulder and whispered:
"But you should see his wife; she's a stunner—A1 anywhere; she is a beauty!"
A young lady, who had not long made herdébut, and had been looking at Tempest with eyes which were full of love, now blushed slightly and in a low whisper said:
"What a pity he is married; he is so very handsome."
Bob might have heard what was said, but he took no notice except to remark to Mrs. Madison that the lieutenant captured his bride at the same time he did the vessel.
Seeing that the two boys were drinking rather freely, and getting far more talkative, their officers ordered them from the room, much to Bob's annoyance. Jack Creamer took it good-naturedly, and when he and Bob found such good things in store for them in the kitchen, they began to feel more thoroughly at home.
During the evening Dolly managed to ask Tempest about his wife.
"You have heard?" he asked in surprise.
"Ah! you little think how such news travels," she answered teasingly.
"Surely, the commodore did not tell you?"
"Is it a secret, then?"
"No, dear madam; but the circumstances were so strange that——"
"I would like to know all about it," interjected the mistress of the White House, who loved to hear a love romance quite as much as she did when wooed and won as a wife.
Tempest needed no pressing, for he was in love with Bertha, and nothing was so gratifying to him as to talk of her.
He told his story, and Mrs. Madison was delighted.
Her eyes flashed with the fire of youth, her face flushed with pleasure, and she had to call her husband to tell him of the brave privateer's love story.
President Madison listened.
"Decatur's niece the wife of a privateer! Sir, what magic did you use?"
The President spoke as though he were angry, but a smile flitted over his face as his wife answered him:
"The same magic you used, James, when you said you loved me."
"Well, well! and so Decatur acted as celebrant! Are you thinking of having the ceremony performed in Washington?"
"I—had not thought—but it would be as well."
Tempest hesitated and stammered.
A new complexion was put upon his marriage.
He knew Decatur had the right to perform the ceremony, but there were some who would doubt.
Dorothea Madison saw his perplexity.
"Of course, and the wedding shall be from the White House. Oh, yes, I insist, James, and do not say no, for I am mistress of the White House, you know."
"My dear Dolly, I am not objecting, but what will the world say about a privateer being married from the executive mansion?"
"That the President of the United States dares to do right, even though the world might frown," answered his wife earnestly.
"My dear, you shall do as you please."
Then the sweet woman made a curtsey, and answered with a pretty little pout:
"I know that, James, even though you are President of the Republic."
The evening passed pleasantly, and the guests departed long before midnight, happy in their patriotic love.
In those days night was not turned into day; the revels ended at an early hour, for all believed in the good old idea that an hour's beauty sleep before midnight was worth two afterward.
On the following day John Tempest introduced his wife to the White House circle, and Dorothea Madison at once fell in love with Bertha.
The wedding was conducted on a splendid scale; no expense was spared, for Tempest was considered a naval hero, and no one dared to even speak slightingly of the privateer.
In fact, in the East Room of the White House the captured flags were draped on the wall, and underneath were the names of the victorious vessels:
TheWasp,Constitution,United StatesandLively Bee.
The President took no part in the exercises, but was present.
The clergyman who performed the ceremony explained that John Tempest and Bertha Decatur had been legally married at sea by the gallant commander of the man-of-warUnited States, but the contracting parties desired the blessing of the Church upon their union.
So, on New Year's Day, in the eventful year Eighteen hundred and thirteen, John Tempest was again married to the object of his choice, and this time not on the high seas, but with all the grandeur andéclatof marriage in the residence of the chief magistrate of a great nation.
The sun shone brightly as the bride and groom left the house and walked across the park.
"It is an omen," said Tempest.
"Yes, the sun shines on us, and may it shine on our country's cause."
"Amen!"
Even as he made the response he trembled, for in afew days he was to part with his wife and rejoin theLively Bee.
He dreaded that moment, not because he was afraid, but he had formed a sweet binding tie, and he disliked breaking that tie, even to obey his country's call.
AN UNEXPECTED PLEASURE.
"To-morrow, Bertha, I must leave the city to rejoin theLively Bee," said Tempest to his bride, on the evening of the fifth day of January.
"Alas! that it should be so," responded Bertha.
"You would not wish me to neglect my duty?"
"No, dear, a thousand times, no. I have loved you because you were so true. Your country is your first love, and were you false to your flag I should even doubt your love for me." She had spoken bravely, but her heart was full of grief.
She knew too well what dangers he would have to encounter, and theLively Bee, though almost invincible, was so small to grapple with such an enemy as the British.
While yet they talked, Lieutenant Hamilton of theUnited States, with face all beaming, interrupted their tearful talk.
"I have sold the prizes. Everything is adjusted," he said.
"That is good news."
"Indeed it is, for I must rejoin at once and you——"
"Shall journey with you."
"That is good news, though I am sorry you have to leave your young wife."
And the young naval officer bowed most courteously to Bertha Tempest.
"I would not wish my husband to fail in his duty," she answered, blushing as she mentioned the word "husband," it sounded so new and strange to her.
"Bertha will be in good hands," said Tempest. "Shehas made such lots of friends, and Mrs. Madison declares she will have her as a frequent visitor at the White House."
"I am very glad."
"So am I."
The words were not spoken by either of the three.
It was a new voice which chimed in, and one that all three easily recognized, for no one could be deceived who had ever heard Harry Vernon of theLively Beespeak.
But how came he in Washington?
What new business had brought him there?
He must have followed quickly on their heels, for traveling was slow work in those days.
"Well, Hamilton, how have you succeeded?"
"Well, passing well; that cargo of theCarolinewas a rich one."
"I know it. The manifests proved its worth. What did you get for ship and cargo?"
"Guess."
"I know its worth. A quarter of a million would not build and equip a better vessel than theCarolineand stock her with such a cargo."
"You are right, but of course you could not expect full value."
"No, I do not."
"I obtained two hundred thousand dollars and another four thousand from the government for theMonarch'sguns and ammunition."
"Is it possible?"
"You have not heard all."
"What other news in store?"
"You are offered the command of theCaroline."
"I?"
"Yes; you, Harry Vernon, of theLively Bee, privateer."
"I don't understand."
"The purchasers intend fitting theCarolineup as a privateer, carrying four or six long guns, and you are offered the command."
"My dear sir, not all the wealth of the Indies could purchase my consent."
"Why?"
"TheCarolineis a fine boat. She would make a good war ship, but she has not the lines of a privateer. It would be impossible to fly from pursuers, or even to pursue. No, no, theLively Beeis my home."
"I told the factor as much, and I was then commissioned to offer the command to Mr. Tempest. What say you, sir?"
"That I am flattered, Hamilton, but I am lieutenant of theLively Bee, and for this war I shall tread her deck."
"Bravo, Tempest! But what do you think brought me here?"
"We have wondered, but our wonderment could not be satisfied."
"Then wonder no longer. I received some news. I have just paid my respects to the President and his lady. I heard what a furore you created there, Mistress Tempest."
"But the news?"
"Was brought to land by an old friend and chum of mine. He was taken sick with ague as soon as he landed. The news was so very urgent that I accepted the mission, and here I am."
"But the news?"
"Has electrified the President and his Cabinet. But I am hungry. Join me at the dining table, and afterward I will a tale unfold, as the story-books say, and make your hair stand on end, as you hear of the glorious victory."
"Victory?"
"Ay, man. TheConstitutionhas won a glorious victory, capturing the British frigateJavaoff San Salvador."
"When was that?"
"On the twenty-ninth of December," answered Vernon, "just after theLively Beeran down theGamecock."
"What do you mean?" asked Tempest, his eyes filled with wonder.
"Do you think theLively Beecould remain idle while you were enjoying yourselves? No, sir. We started off on a coasting cruise, hoping to find some West Indiaman bound to or from San Salvador."
"And you did?"
"It was not much, nothing worth talking about. It happened on the twenty-eighth that we sighted a nice, trim little schooner laden with sugar.
"We naturally ordered it to 'lay to,' but the saucy Britisher treated us contemptuously and hoisted her sails to outsail us. TheLively Beecan fly with the wind, and so the saucyGamecockdid not gain very much.
"Scarron asked permission to fire our long gun, and, of course, I granted it. He did not appear to take proper aim; but he had charge of the gun, not I. To my astonishment the shot went tearing across the deck of theGamecock, splintering her mainmast and killing the first officer.
"Its name would lead you to expect a great fight, but at the very first shot down came the flag, and theGamecockbecame ours.
"It was but a small prize, but one quickly sold, for the very day I reached land I sold vessel and cargo for thirty-eight thousand."
"Do you call that a small matter?"
"Of course, theLively Beelikes to run into the hundredsof thousands. But come, let us dine, and then the story of theConstitution."
Tempest was glad to see his friend; and more so, perhaps, because his departure would be delayed a few days.
Bertha did show her appreciation by pinching her husband's arm, a sure indication that she was pleased.
THE CONSTITUTION'S GREAT VICTORY.
"Now coil up y'r nonsense 'bout England's great navy,And take in y'r slack about oak-hearted tars;For frigates as stout, and as gallant crews have we,Or how came theirMacedondecked with our stars?Yes, how came herGuerriere, herPeacock, andJava,All sent broken-ribbed to old Davy of late?How came it? Why, split me, than Britons we're braver;And that too they shall feel, whenever we meet?"
"Now coil up y'r nonsense 'bout England's great navy,And take in y'r slack about oak-hearted tars;For frigates as stout, and as gallant crews have we,Or how came theirMacedondecked with our stars?Yes, how came herGuerriere, herPeacock, andJava,All sent broken-ribbed to old Davy of late?How came it? Why, split me, than Britons we're braver;And that too they shall feel, whenever we meet?"
Captain Harry Vernon sang the above lines as a sort of introduction to his story.
He felt particularly elated.
Jack either is boisterously happy, when on land, or else excessively melancholy.
Harry Vernon was very jolly—no other word aptly describes his state of mind.
Perhaps the generous dinner of which he had just partaken, or it may be the fact that he was the bearer of such good news, affected him; whatever the cause, the fact was unaltered, he was lively and merry, and sang the song with the fervor of a man before the mast.
"You will remember," commenced Vernon, "that Captain Hull resigned his command of theConstitutionin order that some other officer might win laurels with the noble frigate.
"In his place, Bainbridge was appointed, and of course you know, Tempest, that there is not a better or braver man in the entire navy than that same Bainbridge."
"I have heard of his gallant conduct in the wars against France and Tripoli," answered Hamilton.
"Was theHornetwith theConstitutionwhen the fight took place?" asked Tempest, almost impatiently.
"No. It appears not. TheHornetwas blockading theBonne Citoyenne, but I must go back or you will not understand.
"Fill up, men, and let one night at least be devoted to patriotism and King Bacchus. Bertha—I beg pardon, Mistress Tempest—will excuse you for one night," and Vernon laughed heartily, as though he had perpetrated a joke.
"TheHornetandConstitutionwere 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, hadPorter 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 theHornetwas sent in to see the American Consul.
"Lawrence returned greatly excited.
"In the harbor was the English shipBonne Citoyenne, of twenty guns, and just about to sail for England.
"TheHornetcarries eighteen guns, so what did Lawrence do but send an officer to theBonne Citoyenne, with a formal challenge to the captain to come out of the harbor and try conclusions with theHornet.
"Every assurance was given that theConstitutionwould 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 theHornetwould be unwise, as it would place the money in jeopardy."
"Don't you wish theLively Beewas on theBonne Citoyenne'strack?" asked Tempest.
"Yes, but what could theBeedo against twenty guns?"
"TheLively Beewould find a way to sting."
"I am glad you have such a strong faith in theBee, but to proceed with my story: TheHornet, when it found theBonne Citoyennewould not fight, remained outside the harbor, as a blockader, while theConstitutioncontinued to cruise alone.
"Three days only elapsed before she sighted two vessels, well into the shore.
"Bainbridge's heart beat with hope.
"His great chance had come, for he felt sure that the two vessels were British war ships.
"One of them seemed to make for the shore, while the other made her course boldly for theConstitution.
"Bainbridge now clearly saw that the approaching vessel was a man-of-war of formidable build.
"The crew of the American ship waited orders.
"They were all anxiety, for they dearly loved a fight.
"To their horror and disgust, their captain ordered the vessel put to sea.
"Murmurings were heard, but Bainbridge laughed quietly to himself, for he saw clearly the coastline, dark and low, of Brazil, and he knew that the Englishman could easily retreat into neutral waters if pressed too hard.
"So he made all sail, as though in flight.
"The Englishman so understood it, and crowded on sail in pursuit.
"By noon the two ships were near enough for their flags to be visible.
"'Run up the ensign!' ordered Bainbridge.
"The colors were set, and answered by the Englishman.
"Bainbridge continued his retreat for another hour.
"Fast and yet faster flew the British war ship.
"It was something new for a Yankee to fly from an Englishman, and the latter enjoyed it.
"Suddenly Bainbridge gave the order:
"'Take in the mainsails and royals.'
"The order was obeyed, though the crew wondered at the reason for it.
"But when theConstitutiontacked toward the enemy a ringing cheer went up from the crew.
"Their captain was no coward.
"The coastline of Brazil was below the horizon, and Bainbridge was confident he could prevent the enemy retreating.
"The drum beat to quarters, and quietly the veterans got to work to meet the foe.
"TheJava, for such the enemy proved to be, hauled down her colors, leaving only a jack flying.
"This action puzzled Bainbridge, who ordered a shot to be fired, which should mean that the ensigns be raised again.
"This challenge was answered by a broadside.
"The battle was now on in dead earnest. TheJavawas the better sailer, and both ships were well manned.
"The firing was rapid, the aim good.
"It looked bad for the American, after an hour's fighting, for a round shot carried away her wheel, and the captain was wounded by a small copper bolt, which was driven into his thigh.
"For a few minutes it looked as though our boat was lost, for she would not answer to the rudder, her head fell off, and her sails flapped idly against the spars.
"Though suffering excruciating agony, Bainbridge directed every movement. Tackle was rigged upon therudder-post between decks, and a crew of jackies worked the improvised helm.
"Then a new difficulty arose. The helmsmen were out of earshot of the quarterdeck.
"A young middy suggested the remedy, and a line of middies was formed from the quarterdeck to the sailors who were tugging at the steering apparatus."
"Bravo, Bainbridge!" shouted Hamilton.
"I would like to have been there," added Tempest.
"So would I," assented Harry Vernon. "It makes a man's blood run quicker when he hears of such things, and I can scarcely have patience to tell of the glorious deeds, I am so warm and excited.
"The gunners had not been idle; they kept continuously firing, and theJava'sjibboom and bowsprit were so shattered that, when the ships met, the mizzen-mast fell, crashing through forecastle and main deck, and killing several of the officers."
"Pardon me, Vernon, but you say, 'when the ships met.'"
"Yes, the Englishman, seeing that the Yankee was getting the best of the fight, despite her crippled condition, determined to close and board. It was a mad thing to do, but English sailors are always daring.
"The ships met and lay yardarm to yardarm.
"The men could not see each other, for a dense sulphurous smoke hid the two vessels. It was only at rare intervals that the cloud of powder smoke arose, and then the faces of the gunners showed how determined they were.
"When the British made ready to board the Yankee a new surprise awaited them.
"In theConstitution'stops were two small howitzers, and suddenly the topmen began to pour into the midst ofthe would-be boarders a perfect shower of grape and canister.
"A daring young middy in the tops seized a musket and aimed at theJava'scaptain.
"The brave officer fell to the deck dead, but Lieutenant Chads, although badly wounded, continued the fight, and every British tar seemed to fight with greater determination.
"The fight continued until theJavawas a helpless wreck.
"Her flag was shot away, and only the Jack remained. This was hauled down, and theJavawas added to the rich prizes of the war."
"I don't know much about theJava," said Hamilton.
"She is new to me, and I thought I was pretty well posted about the enemy," Tempest added.
"I never heard her name before," continued Vernon, "but I learned that she had just been fitted up for the accommodation of the governor-general of Bombay and his staff, all of whom were on board."
"And they are prisoners?" asked Tempest.
"They are."
"What a ransom they would have had to pay theLively Bee!"
"Yes," laughed Vernon; "they are better off on theConstitution."
"You have brought great, good news."
"Indeed I have."
"What became of theJava?"
"She was fired, and only bits of charred wreckage remain of one of the best English frigates."
"What did Scarron think?" asked Tempest.
"Scarron was like a wild Indian. He danced and shouted, and when that did not satisfy him, he startedsinging 'Yankee Doodle,' but finally got on to his favorite chorus: