In front of Faneuil Hall was a large white banner, on which the words had been hastily painted: "The _Constitution_, a bunch of pine boards under a bit of striped bunting." The paint was not dry; how could it be? It ran over the white canvas; but, blurred as it was, it did its work. With all the enthusiasm, Captain Hull was still the calm naval officer, not spoiled by praise or injured by flattery. The mayor had given orders for a grand banquet to be prepared to be given the officers of the ship. Six hundred sat down, and the first toast, after that of the President, was to the "Bunch of pine boards under a bit of striped bunting." At the banquet, trying to escape unnoticed, was Captain Harry Vernon, of the _Lively Bee_, privateer. He wondered whether the people would hail him with the same joy as they did Captain Hull, were he to return a victor. But one saw him, and hastened to his side. "Captain, how is the _Lively Bee_?" asked John Tempest. "She sails to-morrow, Tempest." "Is my place still vacant, for I want to sign." "Your place should be in the regular navy." "My place, captain, is with the _Lively Bee_." There was no moving Tempest when he had made up his mind, and, to tell the truth, Vernon was right glad to have him back. CHAPTER XIV. THE LIVELY BEE'S PLUCK. "'Now coil up y'r nonsense 'Bout England's great navy, And take in y'r slack About oak-hearted tars.'" Sang the crew of the _Lively Bee_ as they worked hard getting ready to proceed to sea. Mr. Scarron, who led the song, stopped suddenly, and with a Yankee exclamation, more forcible than polite, declared that he hoped he might go to Davy Jones' locker if his eyes didn't see "Lieutenant Tempest a-coming aboard the _Lively Bee_." "Shiver my timbers, but you are right, sir," answered Mr. Watson, "and it is a right good day for the _Lively Bee_." It was true. In the captain's boat, seated by the side of Vernon, was John Tempest, who had declined the offers made by Captain Hull, and had thrown in his fate with that of the privateer. A hearty ringing cheer from the crew welcomed the young man on board, and Scarron led off with the chorus, which was then so popular in the navy: "'Charge the can cheerily, Send it round merrily; Here's to our country and captains commanding.'" "Thank you, boys! I am glad to be with you again," responded Tempest. "But you've seen some good fighting, sir." "Ay, ay, Scarron, and nearly got drowned," answered the young officer. "So I heard, sir, so I heard! That was a brave Englishman, that same captain." "Brave, yes; but do you know, Scarron, he is now saying that the _Guerriere_ was not in fighting trim." "Ha, ha, ha! That is a good 'un. Why, when Rodgers' fleet was outside New York, didn't that same Dacres send word that the _Guerriere_ could fight and sink the whole of Uncle Sam's navy?"