The ladies were satisfied with the accommodations, and the surgeon approved the ventilation and sanitary arrangements. While the cabin party of the ship were inspecting the Maud, Captain Ringgold went to the pilot-house with Scott. The shelf the carpenter had made and put up that evening had been dropped into position, and part of the chart of the Mediterranean placed upon it. There were two of them to cover this sea, and each of them was four feet and a half long by three and a half wide; and by the advice of the captain Scott had cut each of them in halves, and he had recommended him to cut out the small plans of thirty ports and harbors so that they could be used conveniently, at his leisure. "Now, Captain Scott, show me how you are going to navigate your steamer," said the commander, as he placed himself at the table; and the room was well lighted for the occasion. "I shall take my departure from Europa Point," replied Scott, putting the point of his pencil upon it. "My first run will be to Alboran Light, distance 130.22 nautical miles." "Very well, indeed, Captain Scott," laughed the commander. "The coon evidently came down when you made your figures." "The course will be east by south, with 18° 40′ variation of the compass to the westward. From Alboran Light to a point ten miles north of Algiers the course will be east a quarter south, distance 344.16 miles. That is as far as I have worked it up, sir." "That is far enough for the present; but if I do not overhaul you in the Guardian-Mother before that time, you will work around Cape Bon, and make for Valetta, Malta, going to the south of the island, taking a pilot off Marsa if you find one. You must watch the weather, and if it comes on to blow a heavy gale, you will make a port if necessary." "I don't think it will be necessary, sir, for I am sure the Maud is a good sea-boat, and she can stand anything we are likely to get at this season of the year. She can take in no water except in the standing-room, and that will not hold enough to do us any harm. I should be willing to cross the Atlantic in her in the winter, so far as her safety is concerned, though it would not be very comfortable on board of her." "Young men are usually over-confident. I counsel you to be very prudent, Captain Scott." "I am always so in a boat, sir," protested the young navigator. "Louis has a level head, and I advise you to consult him in any emergency that may arise." "I shall certainly do so, Captain Ringgold, without any urging." "Very well; but it is time now for you to get under way," added the commander, as he glanced at his watch. "Good-by, and a pleasant voyage to you, Captain Scott;" and the captain took his hand at parting.