"Devil take me, but I've half a mind to ship for the Arctic myself next spring," said Rudolf.
"Got to get through with this first," I said.
"Ay, that's true," said Dirrik. "I've been up four times now, and if I don't pass this time, my girl won't wait any longer."
"Girl?" said Rudolf, with sudden interest.
"Margine Iversen's her name. We've been promised now eleven years, and we must get married this spring."
"Must, eh?" said I.
"He's been drawing in advance, what!" said Rudolf, nudging me in the ribs.
"No more of that, lads," said Dirrik. "Womenfolk, they've their own art of navigation, and I know more about it than you've any call to do at your age."
Just then Captain Wille, the principal of the school, came up.