“Indeed!” exclaimed the professor. “When?”
“Yesterday,” replied Jim. “Berwick and I called on the captain. We thought perhaps we could secure her for our trip.”
“That expresses your opinion,” said the professor with a laugh. “You wouldn’t have wanted her unless you thought she was pretty good.”
“That’s right,” agreed Jim. “She looked good to me.”
“Good morning, captain,” called the professor to Captain Wilkins, who was standing by the gangway waiting to receive them. “I have brought out some young men who are going to show us how to sail the yacht.”
“Good morning, professor,” replied the captain. “Same to you, gentlemen. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I think it is never too late to learn. If you have any new tricks of seamanship I shall be glad to learn them.”
“That’s only a joke of the professor’s captain,” replied Jim. “All we know is enough to stand watch, and do our trick at the wheel if need be.”
“Well said, lad,” responded the captain, heartily. “Are you going to make a voyage with us?”
“Yes,” replied the professor, “they are booked for the trip. Now, how soon do you think we can get away?”
“Well, now that depends,” replied the captain, rubbing his chin, thoughtfully. “Did you bring the new engineer along with you?”