“Why not?”
“Because you talk like a well-educated boy.”
“So I am. I was always fond of my books, and stood high in school. But for my stepfather I might be there yet. As it is, my education stopped at the age of thirteen.”
“Not necessarily. You have learned a good deal since.”
“Yes, but not of books. I hope sometime to be able to continue my studies. At present it is my business to learn seamanship.”
Harry had the more time on his hands, as his traveling companion, the professor, took sick, and was confined for three or four weeks to his cabin. There was no danger, but still the ship’s surgeon advised him to stay below.
“What makes you keep company with that boy, Mr. Vane?” asked Montgomery Clinton, who would have liked more of Harry’s society himself.
“Why shouldn’t I?”
“Because he is a common sailor, don’t you know.”
“I think he is rather an uncommon sailor. He is very well educated.”