"I accept your generous offer." "You have done well. I am a good skipper, I can steer a vessel as well as any man, and I can fight, but sometimes a little science which you naval fellows have is very useful. I shall expect you to be as ardent an enemy of the British as I am. Show no quarter, have no mercy, send every British ship to Davy Jones' locker if you can't take it captive. Let your motto be, as mine is, eternal hatred to British rule." "I will swear it if necessary." "No, Tempest, the word of an honest man is all I need. Be watchful." "I will make no boast, captain, but I think you will find I can do without food or sleep as long as any man, and my vigilance shall never give you a moment's uneasiness." "I know it. Now, there is another thing. Although the _Lively Bee_ is a privateer, we are most punctilious about dress. We are uniformed when at sea." "But----" "In yonder room, which will be yours, you will find a first officer's uniform, which, if I mistake not, will be a fair fit for you. If it wants altering, we have an excellent tailor on board." "How thoughtful you are, captain." "Thank you for the compliment. Now go and dress, and I will introduce you to your brother officers." John Tempest was surprised at the size and comfort of his stateroom. It was far superior to the one he occupied on the _Essex_. He thought it was fit for a lady's bower, and as he thought it he remembered Bertha, and his love for her. "What will she say of my becoming a privateer?" he asked himself. "Surely the risk is enough. If I am captured, I shall be hanged. If I am shot, I shall die for my country. If Farragut recognizes my captain, why should I be ashamed of him? I will do my duty, and will win Bertha." He dressed in the uniform, and looked as handsome a privateer as ever walked a deck. When he stepped up the companionway to the deck, he was met by the captain. "Welcome, Lieutenant Tempest," he said, grasping the young officer's hand. Turning to the officers, he said in his usual hearty manner: "Gentlemen, this is Lieutenant Tempest, my first officer, an able seaman, as I can vouch, an honest man, and an inveterate hater of England. For ten generations his family has been noted for its patriotism, and the _Lively Bee_ will have the advantage of his name, fame and honor. Lieutenant Tempest, Mr. Scarron and Mr. Webster. I hope you will all be good friends." Scarron and Webster were typical sailors. Blunt almost to uncouthness, they looked just what they were--able seamen, good fighters and not overburdened with education or politeness. "I was first officer on a whaler," said Scarron as he further introduced himself. "And I was a merchant skipper till the French seized my ship and I paid away every cent I had as ransom. Now I'm a privateer and ready to fight." CHAPTER IV. THE CHALLENGE. Captain Vernon was one of the most uneasy men living. He could not keep still. Action was the watchword of his life.