John Tempest was surprised at the size and comfort of his stateroom.
It was far superior to the one he occupied on the Essex.
He thought it was fit for a lady's bower, and as he thought it he remembered Bertha, and his love for her.
"What will she say of my becoming a privateer?" he asked himself. "Surely the risk is enough. If I am captured, I shall be hanged. If I am shot, I shall die for my country. If Farragut recognizes my captain, why should I be ashamed of him? I will do my duty, and will win Bertha."
He dressed in the uniform, and looked as handsome a privateer as ever walked a deck.
When he stepped up the companionway to the deck, he was met by the captain.
"Welcome, Lieutenant Tempest," he said, grasping the young officer's hand.
Turning to the officers, he said in his usual hearty manner:
"Gentlemen, this is Lieutenant Tempest, my first officer, an able seaman, as I can vouch, an honest man, and an inveterate hater of England. For ten generations his family has been noted for its patriotism, and the Lively Bee will have the advantage of his name, fame and honor. Lieutenant Tempest, Mr. Scarron and Mr. Webster. I hope you will all be good friends."
Scarron and Webster were typical sailors.