"Why, how's that?"
"Why, ye see," said the mate, scratching his head, "I kin sail the schooner all right: but I can't navigate her. I'm blowed ef I know w'ich way to steer now."
"Why not sail west till you sight land?"
"'Cause I might hit a shoal or rocks, not knowin' they was there."
"Please may I speak?" said Thornton.
"Well, what is it?" asked his father.
"I can navigate the schooner, though I can't sail her," said the boy, earnestly.
"You! Why, you never were at sea before!"
"That makes no difference," said Thornton; "sailors navigate by the sun, moon, and stars, and I know all about them. Father, I know that I can navigate this schooner into New York Bay. The chronometer is running; I know where the captain's sextant is, and I wish you'd let me try."
"We must speak to the Captain about this," said Mr. Seabury.