"Where do you get your books?"
"From the ship's library, sir."
"I am afraid you are in need of some more advanced works than you will find in the crew's library. If you will come to my quarters, this evening after your mess, I will see what I can find for you. I think I have some books that will be of use to you. By the way, I heard you mention electricity once or twice. Do you know anything about that branch?"
"A little, sir, but we are studying that as well," Dan replied.
"From books?"
"Oh, yes, sir. Besides this we are taking a course in electricity with a correspondence school."
The eyes of the commanding officer twinkled.
"You are two very industrious boys. I am afraid not many of our boys are following your example."
"Quite a few of them are, sir."
"May I ask what you are seeking to accomplish?"