“Thank you; but do you really know any thing about an engine, Mr. Alexander?” asked Mr. Frisbone, in his teasing tone.
“Two years ago I was assistant engineer on a screw steamer about the size of this one,” answered Alexander.
“And how old were you two years ago?”
“I was eighteen, sir. My father received a legacy from an uncle in Scotland, which made him a rich man; and then I was sent to this institution to finish my education. I had worked two years in a machine-shop before I went to sea at all. I think I can run an engine, sir.”
“I have no doubt you can; in fact, I believe these young gentlemen can do any thing that anybody can,” added Mr. Frisbone, laughing heartily; and sometimes no one could imagine what he was laughing at.
“The second engineer ran a stationary engine when he was twelve years old, in his father’s shop,” continued O’Hara, when he had presented this officer.
“And I was engineer of a small steam-yacht when I was fourteen,” added Richards.
“All right, young gentlemen; and I shall have nothing to do but sleep in the cabin, and take care of the women-folks,” chuckled the Prince.
“I think some of our officers will be quite willing to assist you in that part of your duty,” said O’Hara lightly. “Upon my loife, the young lady is as beautiful as the lovely Giulia Fabiano; and, by the powers, that’s saying a great dale!”
“By the way, now I think of it, is there a young gentleman in the squadron by the name of Speers,—Tom Speers?”