The order was given to proceed to the banquet hall, and the people were moving that way when Dolly Madison, catching sight of two boys waiting outside, asked who they were. "Jack Creamer of the _United States_, and Bob of the _Lively Bee_. It was Bob, Mrs. Madison, who captured the colors of the _Monarch_----" "Is that really true?" The incident was told by Tempest, and when the guests had taken their seats Mrs. Madison made room on her right hand for Bob, the powder-monkey. "The health of Commodore Decatur and the officers and crew of the _United States_," proposed the toastmaster, and our friend Bob, who thought the _Lively Bee_ should have taken precedence, added in a loud voice: "And don't forget the _Lively Bee_, privateer." CHAPTER XXVI. THE MARRIAGE AT THE WHITE HOUSE. One can easily imagine the consternation in that brilliant assembly when Bob, the powder-monkey of the privateer, took upon himself the duties of toastmaster, and asked that distinguished gathering of banqueters to drink to the officers and crew of the _Lively Bee_. The diplomatic corps looked aghast. There wasn't one of the nations they represented but would employ privateers if at war, but they would not just then acknowledge it. As one quaint old sea dog put it. "A privateer is a man who does all the dirty work in a naval war, receives all the kicks, and watches others enjoy the glories." So, while all nations employed privateers, they never recognized the officers and crews as being other than patriotic pirates. The gathering was, however, full of enthusiasm, and Dolly Madison herself led the drinking of the toast. Secretary of the Navy, Paul Hamilton, responded for the government, and complimented the _Lively Bee_ on attacking and capturing a war vessel. "That was a brave act, and even though she sailed under a letter of marque, we must acknowledge that she did the State great service." Then Lieutenant Tempest acknowledged the toast, while Lieutenant Hamilton merely bowed. Bob was close to Mrs. Madison, and was particularly pleased with himself. He heard the President's wife say: "What a handsome man that young privateer is!" Bob leaned over the lady's shoulder and whispered: "But you should see his wife; she's a stunner--A1 anywhere; she is a beauty!" A young lady, who had not long made her _début_, and had been looking at Tempest with eyes which were full of love, now blushed slightly and in a low whisper said: "What a pity he is married; he is so very handsome." Bob might have heard what was said, but he took no notice except to remark to Mrs. Madison that the lieutenant captured his bride at the same time he did the vessel. Seeing that the two boys were drinking rather freely, and getting far more talkative, their officers ordered them from the room, much to Bob's annoyance. Jack Creamer took it good-naturedly, and when he and Bob found such good things in store for them in the kitchen, they began to feel more thoroughly at home.