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 the Lively Bee, privateer. He has to tell of the sinking of his Britannic majesty's ship Monarch, and the capture of the armed merchantman, the Caroline."
Again the cheers resounded, and Tempest saw himself reflected 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 the Macedonian, while Captain Stewart and Tempest performed the same act with the Monarch's colors.
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 the United States, and Bob of the Lively Bee. It was Bob, Mrs. Madison, who captured the colors of the Monarch——"