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?"