The sails were set, and though the risk of running landward in such a fog was great, the two vessels attempted it, and when the sun made its morning obeisance to nature, and the beautiful rays of jeweled fire illumined the ocean, Captain Vernon congratulated Tempest on his capture, and rejoiced to think that the _Poietiers_ was not in sight. CHAPTER XVIII. A STRANGE SAIL. "And there, while thread shall hang to thread, Oh, let our ensign fly! The noblest constellation set Against our northern sky." The _Caroline_ was one of the best ships in the British merchant service. She was as strongly built as a man-of-war, and in fact could easily be transformed into a vessel of war. The Union Jack of England still floated from her peak, and Tempest had deemed it prudent not to lower it until out of sight of the British squadron. But now that the sun was shining, and no war ship appeared above the horizon, he changed his mind. "Haul down that flag, boys!" he shouted, and a dozen willing hands were at the halliards. The flag seemed endowed with life or reason. For one moment it floated proudly and, as it seemed, defiantly, then fell limp and dejected to the rope, never once fluttering or showing sensibility to the breeze. It lay on the deck, a prisoner of war, and in its place there gradually arose that ensign of the free--the Stars and Stripes. The men cheered the rising flag, and Tempest, who was in command of the _Caroline_, addressed the men most eloquently: "The flag of our nation is committed to your care," he said. "Never let it be lowered by the hands of slaves or of enemies. Let it float there, as long as one arm can hold a cutlass to defend it." And all the crew responded by giving a hearty cheer. Tempest repaired to the cabin wherein he had left Bertha Decatur. She had aroused from her swoon, only to fall into a deep slumber again. She knew not whether the whole events of the night had been but a dream, for her brain was confused. She thought of the noise on deck, the shuffling of feet, the clashing of steel, the muttered curses, the cries of the wounded, and then all had become hushed. She had fainted. Was it a dream, or was it a terrible reality? If so, what would be her fate? She knew that Captain Carter would use no violence other than forcing her to be his wife, and that she could effectually resist by death. And she was resolved to die rather than submit to such a life. Tempest knocked at the cabin door, which he had roughly boarded up after Scarron's foot had done its work so effectually. But there was no response, and a message that Captain Vernon was coming on board caused him to hasten to the deck. "The shock of your presence might be too much for her," said Vernon. "Let me prepare Miss Decatur." The captain of the _Lively Bee_ had only seen Bertha once, and he did not think she would recognize him. He knocked at the cabin door, and she bade him enter.