"And he told you about the engine?"
"I made a regular study of the engine, in connection with physics, and Paul"—
"Paul? That's another fellow?"
"No: it's the same fellow,—Paul Vapoor. Everybody that knows him says he is a genius. He was my teacher. But he told me that all the theory in the world would not make me an engineer: I must have the experience; and for weeks together I took the place of one of the assistant engineers. That's how I happen to know something about an engine; and I have been on board of all sorts of steamers with Paul, for the purpose of studying the engines, from a launch up to the biggest ocean-steamers."
"Did you take any lessons of the cook on board of the Bellevite, Christy?" asked Percy, laughing.
"I used to ask questions of him; but I have served as cook on board of a small yacht, and I know how to get up a chowder or bake a pot of beans."
"All right; then I will take it for granted that you can start the engine of the Leopard," continued Percy, coming back to the topic which interested him most. "What are you going to do after you have started the engine?"
"I am going to get on board of the Bellevite, and get you on board of her."
"That will suit me first rate," replied Percy. "But I don't want you to think I am a Yankee, for I am not."
"But I want you to think I am a Yankee, as you call it; and I am one," added Christy.