"No, uncle, John is below." "Who is John?" "I am, sir. John Tempest, first lieutenant of the _Lively Bee_, and at present commanding officer of the _Caroline_." Captain Decatur did not speak. "I sent the message to you. It was on Bertha's account; I thought you might wish her to go back with you." "So you are here, John Tempest, are you? Well, well, my dignity says I ought not to recognize you, but my manhood says you're a brick, John Tempest, and if Bertha wants you, why, let her take you, and I'll give you my blessing." "But, sir----" "Join hands, I say, and I'll make you one. It is the law, sir. I am the holder of Uncle Sam's commission, and I can marry you as tightly as any one. Join hands, I say." Bertha put out her hand toward Tempest. What could he do but accept it? No sooner were the two hands joined than Captain Decatur commenced: "I call you all to witness that this man--what's your name, sir?--ah, yes, John Tempest, takes this woman--it is better than saying lady, my dear--Bertha Decatur, to be his wife. Now therefore I, being the lawful commander of the naval ship _United States_, do declare them to be legally married. And may the Lord have mercy on their souls!--I mean, may the Lord bless them;" and Decatur kissed the bride. "Where is your log, sir?" asked Tempest. "I have only the one on the _Lively Bee_; the log of the _Caroline_ is British." "Dear me, that's a pretty how d'ye do! I married you on a British ship, where I have no jurisdiction." "No, Captain Decatur. The _Caroline_ has been renamed the _Bertha_, and two days ago the alteration was made in the log." "Glad to hear it. But I'd like you to come over to my ship, and I'd marry you over again. Nay, no excuses; I insist." "If you really insist, uncle, I shall appeal to my husband." "Come, the boat is ready, and I want you tied so tight to this fellow that he cannot run away if he wanted to." To humor the captain, Tempest and Bertha were taken on board the _United States_, where they were again married according to the laws governing the navy. CHAPTER XXV. THE BALL AT THE WHITE HOUSE. The Capital had gathered there Her beauty and her chivalry; and bright The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men; A thousand hearts beat happily; and when Music arose with its voluptuous swell, Soft eyes look'd love to eyes which spake again, And all went merry as a marriage bell. --BYRON. December was within three days of its close, and the people of Washington had chosen the night of the twenty-eighth for a grand ball and reception to the naval officers, whose victories had made their names historic. Specially was Captain Stewart of the _Constellation_ to be honored. A brilliant company was gathered, and the White House never looked more lovely.