Both boys attended Columbia University, in New York City, and were doing well in their studies. They had no special profession in mind, but their uncle rather took it for granted that they would, after their graduation, take up the importing trade with him.
“I suppose we might as well do it as anything else,” Frank said.
“Yes, for perhaps we can get a chance to make a trip to South America,” Ned agreed. “I’ve always wanted to see foreign countries.”
They spoke of this again as they hurried on through the storm to the shelter of the big white house.
“I tell you what would be better than going to South America on importing business,” said Ned.
“What?” Frank inquired.
“Going down there, or for that matter, to any foreign country, on a battleship!”
“Cracky! I should say so!” exclaimed the older lad. “I wonder if we’ll ever actually be on one?”
“Well, we were on one once,” Ned remarked.
“The Nebraska, yes. But only on a tour of inspection with a lot of fellows of our class. I want to actually belong to the battleship myself—I don’t want to be just a visitor.”