"I do not fear now; and, Bertha, the first thing we will do when we reach land will be to get married."
"What noise is that?" she suddenly asked. "Is it not horrible?"
"Hush! you must not say that. It is the men below who are singing. If the hatchways were open you could hear the words."
As though one of the watch had heard the officer's words, the hatches were thrown back, and the gruff voices of the men, who were too excited to speak, were heard singing:
"'Ye tars of our country, who seek on the main
The cause for the wrongs your country sustain,
Rejoice and be merry, for bragging John Bull
Has got a sound drubbing from brave Captain Hull.
Then charge the can cheerily,
Send it round merrily!
Here's to our country and captains commanding;
To all who inherit
Of Vernon the spirit
Disdaining to strike while a stick is left standing.'"
"Who is Vernon?" asked Bertha.
"The bravest and truest man who ever wore a blue jacket. The captain of the Lively Bee."
"But he is a privateer."
"So am I. I entered his crew as a man before the mast. He made me first officer. He searched me out, because your brother knew me. Vincent told him my story, and Vernon has given me a chance to win you, my darling."
"Hem! Ha! Ugh! Beg parding, sir, but my mate on the lookout says as how he sees a strange sail, which is kinder suspicious."