He dreaded that moment, not because he was afraid, but he had formed a sweet binding tie, and he disliked breaking that tie, even to obey his country's call.
[CHAPTER XXVII.]
AN UNEXPECTED PLEASURE.
"To-morrow, Bertha, I must leave the city to rejoin the Lively Bee," said Tempest to his bride, on the evening of the fifth day of January.
"Alas! that it should be so," responded Bertha.
"You would not wish me to neglect my duty?"
"No, dear, a thousand times, no. I have loved you because you were so true. Your country is your first love, and were you false to your flag I should even doubt your love for me." She had spoken bravely, but her heart was full of grief.
She knew too well what dangers he would have to encounter, and the Lively Bee, though almost invincible, was so small to grapple with such an enemy as the British.