“It must have been, then, because Capt. Budd did not try to make himself comprehended,” said Mulford, “for I feel certain nothing would be easier than to make you understand the uses of the chronometer.”
“I should like to learn it from you, Mr. Mulford,” answered the charming girl, with an emphasis so slight on the ‘you,’ that no one observed it but the mate, but which was clear enough to him, and caused every nerve to thrill.
“I can attempt it,” answered the young man, “if it be agreeable to Mrs. Budd, who would probably like to hear it, herself.”
“Certainly, Mr. Mulford, though I fancy you can say little on such a subject, that I have not often heard, already, from my poor, dear, Mr. Budd.”
This was not very encouraging, truly, but Rose continuing to look interested, the mate proceeded.
“The use of the chronometer is to ascertain the longitude,” said Harry, “and the manner of doing it, is simply this: A chronometer is nothing more nor less, than a watch made with more care than usual, so as to keep the most accurate time. They are of all sizes, from that of a clock, down to this which I wear in my fob, and which is a watch in size and appearance. Now, the nautical almanacs are all calculated to some particular meridian—”
“Yes,” interrupted the relict, “Mr. Budd had a great deal to say about meridians.”
“That of London, or Greenwich, being the meridian used by those who use the English Almanacs, and those of Paris or St. Petersburgh, by the French and Russians. Each of these places has an observatory, and chronometers that are kept carefully regulated, the year round. Every chronometer is set by the regulator of the particular observatory or place to which the almanac used is calculated.”
“How wonderfully like my poor, dear Mr. Budd, all this is, Rosy! Meridians, and calculated and almanacs! I could almost think I heard your uncle entertaining me with one of his nautical discussions, I declare!”
“Now the sun rises earlier in places east, than in places west of us.”