And so it came to pass that Lieutenant John Tempest was to spend a week or two on the U. S. frigate _Constitution_. Vernon had a deep motive in this. 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. In half an hour the glass was brought to bear upon the distant vessel, and she was declared to be a frigate and to be sailing toward the American. Captain Hull began to make preparations for the meeting. He acted with deliberation. The _Constitution_ was a valuable ship, and he dare not expose her to unnecessary risks. The topgallant sails were furled, and the lighter spars lowered to the decks. "The enemy is preparing also," said Tempest, who stood looking through the glass. "I am glad to hear it," answered Captain Hull. "The better prepared she is the greater our victory will be." It was near five o'clock when the two war ships were near enough to commence active work. "The _Guerriere_!" shouted Tempest, as he read the name of the Britisher. Captain Hull almost forgot his dignity. He wanted to dance, so delighted was he to meet that vessel above all others. "Beat to quarters!" Then followed a rush of barefooted men along the deck. There was no confusion; all ran in perfect order to their stations. As the roll of drums died away the midshipmen, in boyish soprano, began calling off the quarter-bills, while the men, in gruff and deep bass voices, responded. Every man knew his place. The cook, as well as the captain, knew just what was expected of him. The surgeon, with his assistants, descended to the cockpit and got ready his instruments and bandages, his splints and antiseptics. The line of powder-passers was formed, the powder-monkeys looking serious as they thought of the business on hand. While all these preparations were being made on the _Constitution_, the crew of the _Guerriere_ were not resting quietly. So many mean things have had to be recorded against England in its struggles that it is pleasant to be able to say a good word for Captain Dacres, of the British ship _Guerriere_, thirty-eight guns.