"So hot was the reception they got that the barges returned to the ships. "But another barge had come up on the leeward, and we were boarded almost before we knew anything about it. "'Come on, my lads,' I shouted, 'and we'll drive them into the sea.' "My men fought so desperately that we did drive them into the sea, and the remaining boats put back. "It was not to be expected that we should escape. "I ordered the long gun to be loaded and pointed down the hatch. "When morning came the enemy had closed in upon us and the time had come when we must either destroy the _Lively Bee_ or give her up to the English. "'Haul down that rag,' shouted the captain of the _Plantagenet_, pointing to the Stars and Stripes. "'Never,' I answered, and my men cheered lustily. "I saw the boats put off, manned with boarders, and I knew the hour had come. "With my own hand I applied the match, and a ball went crashing through the bottom of the _Lively Bee_. "Then I applied the torch, and a column of flame rose up to the clouds, and told the British that we could die but never surrender. "We leaped into the water and all the crew reached the island, where we were safe under the neutral flag. "We could not get any vessel to bear us away, for the British would have pursued and captured the vessel in order to secure us. "So we stayed there, almost in a starving condition, for three months, until the coast was clear and we managed to get away. "We have all returned--all save Mullen--he too rests at the bottom of the sea with the vessel he loved so much. "We have lost all, but we did what we could." Tempest's eyes were moist with tears as he finished his story. Vernon clasped his hand. "No, you have not lost all. A nation thanks you for your work. A nation places the laurel crown on your brow, for you saved the flag; you lost your ship but you saved your honor--your country's honor, and in that defeat you are greater than if you had gained a victory." "You have not lost all," exclaimed Bertha. "You have a loving wife and faithful friends." "And I thank Heaven that I have fought for my country and never surrendered its flag," added Tempest, as he resumed his seat. Congress thanked Vernon and Tempest for their patriotic work, and on the archives of the nation was ordered written a true account of the "Cruise of the _Lively Bee_." THE END. _THE CREAM OF JUVENILE FICTION_ THE BOYS' OWN LIBRARY A Selection of the Best Books for Boys by the Most Popular Authors