She, however, possessed that easy grace which gave her control over her feelings, and mutual interest in the powder-monkey made her feel more at ease in talking with the captain of the _Lively Bee_. Bertha seemed to cotton to her at once, and before many minutes were passed the two ladies felt that they would be fast friends for life. The man who had been assaulted by Bob did not die; in fact, was scarcely injured, and as the powder-monkey had said, Dolly Madison did intercede and secured the young rascal's release. Three days later Vernon, Tempest and Bob bade farewell to Washington and hastened to rejoin the privateer. Bertha had made many friends in the Capital City, and though she found the parting from her husband hard to bear, she knew she would be well cared for, and that loving friends would try to cheer her in her solitude. CHAPTER XXXI. THE REGINA, OF TORQUAY. No one ever got a more royal welcome than did Bob, the powder-monkey, on his return to the _Lively Bee_. He was, in the eyes of the crew, a gallant hero. Not only had he been rescued from death in a most marvelous manner, but he had dined at the White House and had been praised by the President's wife. His stories of Washington were so colored that they equaled those of the Arabian Nights or Baron Munchausen. On the night after leaving port, Captain Vernon called all the crew to the quarterdeck. "Men, our prizes were rich ones. The prize money is here and will be divided. I did not give it to you while in port, for I know what temptations there are, and many of you have wives and families who have a better claim on you than the harpies who prey on Jackies at every port. Have I done right?" "Yes, you always do right, cap'n," was the general response. "But some of you have no wives, but only sweethearts, and for their sakes I have kept back the money. Did I do right?" The single men were just as well pleased as had been the married ones. The crew had thought the prizes had not been sold, and were perfectly content to wait. Had the money been distributed while in port, the best part of it would have disappeared and perhaps some of the best men deserted. Not willfully, but Jack on shore is as innocent as a baby, and soon loses his money. Each man was surprised at the amount he had to receive, for even Bob's share was equal to two hundred dollars, while Mr. Scarron received four thousand. The prize money is distributed according to rank, and as Bob once told a friend: "The more fighting you do, the less prize money; the less hard work, the more money you get." But they expected no exception to be made, and each received more than was expected. Each man counted his share and jingled the coins and examined the bank notes with just as much interest as would a child. When that little matter was settled, and the men again at their posts of duty, Tempest tapped the captain's shoulder. "What ails thee, Master Captain?" he asked.