CHAPTER XXIV.

MARRIAGE AT SEA.

To Vernon's astonishment, he recognized Decatur in the boat.

No sooner did he recognize the honor than he ordered a salute to be fired, and the flag dipped.

The naval officer swung himself on deck, and eyed Vernon for a moment before speaking.

"Who are you, sir?"

"Harry Vernon, Captain Decatur, and I welcome you to as fine a prize as was ever taken from an enemy."

"My stars! And did your little schooner capture this?"

"Yes, captain, and these guns bear the name of his Britannic majesty's _Monarch_ on them. That made prize number two."

"I congratulate you. Your crew will be rich. But why did you want to see me? Why, zounds, sir, did you neglect to sign your name?"

Vernon, instead of replying, said, calmly:

"Captain Decatur, we captured more than you see. The captain of the _Caroline_ had abducted one of the most beautiful American girls I have ever seen. He tried to force her to marry him, but she stood out against his threats, saying she would kill herself rather than be his wife."

"Brave girl!"

"Her abductor was killed----"

"Good thing, for if he had been alive I would have strung him up to the yardarm."

Naval commanders had the power to execute any criminal, and they often took advantage of that, as they did of another power vested in them--that of marrying. On the high seas a marriage ceremony performed by a captain, and duly entered on the ship's log, is as legal as if the presiding official was a clergyman or judge.

"Yes, he was killed in the engagement, but his prisoner is here. She loves most earnestly one of my officers----"

Captain Decatur laughed.

"You sly dog," he said. "I see; you want me to marry you. Ah, well, if she is worthy--but that is your lookout. It is your risk."

"You do not understand me, captain."

"Don't I? Well, speak up and tell me what you mean."

"Do you remember John Tempest? The man who blighted his career in our navy by expressing sympathy with James Vincent?"

"Vincent Decatur, you mean. My nephew, sir, as brave a man as ever walked, and brother of a girl--why, bless me, sir, that girl would charm the heart of an anchorite. She is the dearest, sweetest little doll that ever walked----"

"A ship's deck, uncle."

Bertha had heard her uncle's voice, and could not be restrained.

She had crept quietly up the companionway, and when she heard herself so warmly praised she was unable to resist longer.

"Bertha! Zounds! Where did you come from?"

"The cabin, uncle. I did not know my worth until you rehearsed it; then I could not resist. So, you dear old nunkey, you've come to see me. I made him send. You'll not be cross with him--now will you?"

"Were you the prisoner this gentleman spoke about?"

"Yes, uncle, and if it had not been for the _Lively Bee_, of which Mr. Vernon is captain, I should have been dead before this."

"And so you want to marry him?"

"Yes, please, uncle."

"So you shall. Join hands---- What's the matter with you, sir?"

Vernon had stepped back, and the captain was at a loss to understand his meaning.

"I am not the happy man."

"Zounds! didn't you hear Bertha, my niece, say she wanted to marry you? And, by Jove! she shall have her way, or I'm not a captain in the United States navy."

Bertha scarcely understood what it all meant, but laying her hand on her uncle's arm, said:

"We do not want to marry until we reach land."

"Stuff and nonsense! I can tie you as tightly as any landlubber. Join hands, I say."

"I'll send for him, uncle, and see what he says."

"Send for him! Can't you see him standing there?"

"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.