At the time appointed the commander found the big four in the cabin of the Maud. Felipe and Donald were sent for, and all were seated around the table. Captain Ringgold looked more serious than usual. Of course they all knew that he had had an interview, and a stormy one, with the Pacha, and Felipe had been trembling for his own safety all the evening. "The Pacha threatens to have Scott and Felipe arrested to-morrow; but I have decided that he shall find neither of them here," said the commander. "I shall send you all to sea to-night at twelve in the Maud. Do you think you can navigate her to Valetta, Malta, Captain Scott?" "I know I can, sir," replied he, delighted with the thought. "Compelled by circumstances to change my plans, we shall spend the rest of the summer cruising in the Orient," added the captain. CHAPTER XXV THE STARBOARD AND PORT WATCHES OF THE MAUD An independent cruise in the Maud was to the big four the most delightful affair in the world, not that they considered themselves restricted and restrained on board of the Guardian-Mother, for they had all the liberty they desired. Louis was devoted to his studies, though he desired to obtain all the practical information he could as he went from port to port in foreign countries. The other three were very much inclined to follow his lead, whether it was to work or play, to study or recreate. The pleasure of navigating the Maud on their own responsibility was a novelty which they enjoyed in the highest degree, though it was likely to lose some of its charm in time. They had had a taste of this pleasure in the excursion to Tangier, and the exciting features connected with it had given it an additional zest. Captain Ringgold regarded himself as an educator, though a learned and skilful professor was employed for the teaching in detail. As has been suggested several times before, he had theories on this subject of which he desired to make a practical application. He wanted to develop the boys, and make good and useful men of them. In keeping them well employed he kept the old maxim in mind that the gentleman in black, with horns, hoofs, and a caudal appendage, "finds some work for idle hands to do." It was not hard labor, but occupation, upon which he depended to improve the bodies and the minds of his charge. Though he insisted that the boys should be modest and respectful, he did not accept the idea which prevails in England, France, and some other countries of Europe, that young people should practically be zeroes till they were of age. He believed that they should be developed as rapidly as their nature and temperament would permit. They could only obtain this freedom of mind by learning to depend upon themselves.