Vernon clasped his hand.
"No, you have not lost all. A nation thanks you for your work. A nation places the laurel crown on your brow, for you saved the flag; you lost your ship but you saved your honor—your country's honor, and in that defeat you are greater than if you had gained a victory."
"You have not lost all," exclaimed Bertha. "You have a loving wife and faithful friends."
"And I thank Heaven that I have fought for my country and never surrendered its flag," added Tempest, as he resumed his seat.
Congress thanked Vernon and Tempest for their patriotic work, and on the archives of the nation was ordered written a true account of the "Cruise of the Lively Bee."
THE END.