He had taken a great liking to the young lieutenant, and would like to have him reinstated in the navy.
Not that he wished to lose him, but he knew that Tempest would be happier in the regular service than on board a privateer.
Tempest was overjoyed.
Not that he wished to part from the Lively Bee, for he had learned to love every board in her deck, and believed no guns were better than hers; but he wanted once more to tread the deck of a large war ship, to see active service conducted openly and honorably, and so he thanked Vernon for his consideration and leave of absence.
The Constitution sailed away, and the Lively Bee entered port.
It was not long after the naval vessel had parted from the privateer, when the lookout aloft gave the long-drawn out hail:
"Ship ho-o-o!"
"Whereaway?"
"Nor'-nor'east."
Instantly the course of the Constitution was shaped toward the stranger.