"Yes, sir; that is our ambition."
"I thought so. You may depend upon me to use my influence to further your ambition, though I shall very much dislike to lose you."
"You are very kind, sir."
"What I hoped you would do was to remain with the mining end of our business, where one of these days you would rise to the grade of general superintendent. Perhaps after you have had your experiences at the other end of the line, you will decide to come back. If I am still president of the mining company you will be well taken care of, should you return."
"Thank you, sir; perhaps we shall be back sooner than you think."
"And now for the subject at issue. Here is a letter to the master of the 'Wanderer,' Captain Simms, stating that you are to be taken on board his ship as seamen. He does not know that it is your first cruise, but I have an idea that he will learn the truth soon enough."
There was a grim smile on the face of the president.
"You will find Captain Simms a gruff old seadog. He is one of our oldest and most trustworthy masters, and after you come to know him I am sure you will like him very much. You have a fairly clear idea of what is expected of you by the company. You boys are both keen and resourceful and I expect a great deal from you. I know that you will see all there is to be seen, and no doubt will see some things that have been overlooked by older heads than yours."
"Have you any further directions to give before we leave you, sir?" inquired Steve.
"None whatever. I wish you success, which I am sure you will have. You need not go to the ore docks until this evening, unless you wish to, as you probably will have some things to do in town."