“I have been viewing the equator, sir,” I responded.
“Who showed it to you?” said he, with a twinkling eye.
“Mr. Kennet and Mr. Poole, sir,” said I.
He beckoned, with a solemn motion of his forefinger, to Kennet, who approached.
“Have you the equator handy about you, young gentleman,” he inquired.
Kennet coloured up, and said he had left it in his telescope.
“Bring it here, sir,” said the mate, “and let Mr. Poole attend, that we may have the benefit of his learning.”
The midshipman disappeared, and shortly after returned, with the glass under his arm and Poole at his heels.
“Now then, young gentlemen,” said the mate, “be good enough to show Master Rockafellar the equator from the poop point of view.”