"Then wonder no longer. I received some news. I have just paid my respects to the President and his lady. I heard what a furore you created there, Mistress Tempest."
"But the news?"
"Was brought to land by an old friend and chum of mine. He was taken sick with ague as soon as he landed. The news was so very urgent that I accepted the mission, and here I am."
"But the news?"
"Has electrified the President and his Cabinet. But I am hungry. Join me at the dining table, and afterward I will a tale unfold, as the story-books say, and make your hair stand on end, as you hear of the glorious victory."
"Victory?"
"Ay, man. The Constitution has won a glorious victory, capturing the British frigate Java off San Salvador."
"When was that?"
"On the twenty-ninth of December," answered Vernon, "just after the Lively Bee ran down the Gamecock."