THE REGINA, OF TORQUAY.
No one ever got a more royal welcome than did Bob, the powder-monkey, on his return to the Lively Bee.
He was, in the eyes of the crew, a gallant hero.
Not only had he been rescued from death in a most marvelous manner, but he had dined at the White House and had been praised by the President's wife.
His stories of Washington were so colored that they equaled those of the Arabian Nights or Baron Munchausen.
On the night after leaving port, Captain Vernon called all the crew to the quarterdeck.
"Men, our prizes were rich ones. The prize money is here and will be divided. I did not give it to you while in port, for I know what temptations there are, and many of you have wives and families who have a better claim on you than the harpies who prey on Jackies at every port. Have I done right?"
"Yes, you always do right, cap'n," was the general response.
"But some of you have no wives, but only sweethearts, and for their sakes I have kept back the money. Did I do right?"
The single men were just as well pleased as had been the married ones.