“Perhaps we can,” said Tom, shaking his head knowingly; “perhaps we can. If I haven’t succeeded in my arithmetic and geography lessons, I’ve got something better worked out. You have been to sea on three or four voyages, haven’t you, Rich?”
“Yes,” answered that worthy, “and I am a good sailor—better than any other boy in the academy.”
“But could you take command of a vessel—say of the size of the Swallow?”
“Command a sloop like that! Yes, of course I could. If I knew that she was sea-worthy, I wouldn’t be afraid to take her to Europe.”
“That’s all right!” said Tom, evidently very much relieved. “That’s one difficulty out of the way. I knew I would be certain to succeed.”
“But, Newcombe, what’s all this got to do with your grand idea?” asked Miller, impatiently. “Why don’t you tell us what you intend to do?”
“Well, I am going to tell you now,” replied Tom. “I propose that we escape the examination, by taking the Swallow and going to sea in her.”
The boys were all very much astonished at this proposition; but, without allowing them time to raise any objections, Tom pulled out his pocket-book, and, producing the piece of newspaper which had so excited the curiosity of his companions, he handed it to Miller, saying, “Read that.”
The latter took the paper, looked at it a moment, and then, springing to his feet, seized Tom’s hand, shouting:
“Newcombe, you’re a brick! Your idea is a glorious one! I see it all, now!”