Another reason Paul Jones gave for his delay in France was that he wished to get the prize money due for the capture of the _Serapis_, and pay the sailors. This gave him an excuse to linger about the courts where he could receive more of the homage he loved so well. Then, too, he spent much time in getting letters and certificates of his bravery from the king and the ministers. He wished to show these to Congress when he should arrive in America. Finally, one day in October, he set sail in the _Ariel_. He had not gone far when a furious gale forced him to return to port for safety. For three months longer he waited, hoping still for the prize money that was due. One day he gave a grand fête on his ship. Flags floated from every mast. Pink silk curtains hung from awnings to the decks. These were decorated with mirrors, pictures, and flowers. The company invited were men and women of high rank. When all was ready, Paul Jones sent his boats ashore to bring them on board. He, himself, dressed in full uniform, received them and conducted them to their seats on the deck. At three o'clock they sat down to an elaborate dinner which lasted until sunset. At eight o'clock, as the moon rose, a mock battle of the _Richard_ and the _Serapis_ was given. There was much noise from the firing of guns, and a great blaze of light from the rockets that were sent up. The effect was beautiful, but the din was such that the ladies were frightened. At the end of an hour this display was ended. After a dance on the deck, the officers rowed the company back to the shore. XII.--THE RETURN TO AMERICA. On the 18th of December, 1780, nearly a year after he had received his orders, Jones sailed for America. He arrived in Philadelphia on February 18th, 1781. When Congress inquired into the cause of his long delay, he gave explanations which seemed to be satisfactory. Resolutions of thanks were passed, and permission given to the French minister to present the Cross of Military Merit, which had been sent by the French king. This cross was presented with great ceremony, and it was ever after a source of much pride to Paul Jones. He wore it upon all occasions and loved to be called Chevalier. During the following year Paul Jones superintended the construction of a new war ship, the _America_, which was being built by Congress. This was the largest seventy-four gun ship in the world, and he was to be her captain. Once more Paul Jones was disappointed. Before the _America_ was finished, Congress decided to give her to France. She was to replace a French vessel, which had been lost while in the American service. Paul Jones was again without a ship. As he could not bear to be idle, he spent the time until the close of the war, with a French fleet, cruising among the West Indies. As soon as he heard that peace was declared between England and America, he left the French fleet and returned to America. He arrived in Philadelphia in May, 1783.