"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 ship United 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 the Lively Bee; the log of the Caroline is British."
"Dear me, that's a pretty how d'ye do! I married you on a British ship, where I have no jurisdiction."