"You had not been on shore long before you again met Vincent Decatur. He was crippled for life, but was happier than had he been compelled to sail under the British flag.
"You visited him—ah, your face tells me that I am right—you felt a strange desire to distinguish yourself, not because of patriotism altogether, but the bright eyes of Bertha Decatur shone into your very soul. She would marry none who deserted his country in the hour of need. The man she would honor was one who fought for his country. You heard this and——"
"Shipped on a privateer," added Tempest, almost sarcastically.
"Yes, shipped on the neatest, trimmest, fastest schooner afloat, on the Lively Bee, which shall sting so often and so deeply that all America shall respect its crew."
"How did you learn all you have told me?"
Captain Vernon laughed merrily, and looked at the young ensign almost quizzically.
"You would like to know?"
"I am burning with curiosity."
"Then I will tell you. I heard the story partly from Midshipman Farragut——"
"You know him?"