"But how long are we to be out?"
"Well, I've boxed the compass, taken an observation, worked up an altitude, swung six and cast out nine,—and I've made up my mind that we shall be out till we return to port again. I may be wrong, but you can figure it up for yourself."
"O, come! Is there any secret about the vessel's destination?" added Herman.
"There's Mr. Fluxion, wearing out the planks of the quarter-deck. He's a good sailor, and a gentleman from his top-lights down to his keelson; and if you ask him, he'll tell you all he has a mind to."
"If he's a gentleman, I hope the forward officers will take lessons of him," added Herman, disgusted with the conduct of the carpenter.
"I shall, for one; for we have so many unlicked cubs on board now, that I am afraid my manners have suffered by being among them," laughed Bitts. "But do you really want to know where we are going, young gentlemen?"
"I do, for one," replied Perth, promptly.
"You won't say a word if I tell you—eh?" added Bitts, very seriously.
"Not a word."
"Well, we are bound down to the coast of Africa to get a cargo of gorillas. Mr. Fluxion is going into the show business."