Oh, Massa, promises like pie crust—“made to be broken.” What Massa do when three hundred miles to sea, two or three hundred to do what de Captain says—Walt overboard—one man less, dat is all. Walt not missed—ship sail on. Captain don’t like you now—say you come out of de woods—don’t know anything. Stay on shore, Massa—stay wid Sambo an’ de cat. Captain tink you big baby—he say you kill panther and love cat. Walter started for the parlor in an uneasy state of mind. As simple as Sambo was, he had succeeded in raising doubts in his mind, as to the propriety of his going to sea. Captain Davis, I have the pleasure of introducing to you Walter Wallace, the boy I have told you so much about. I am happy to meet and form your acquaintance, young man, and it will not be my fault if we do not become fast friends. Walter took his hand timidly and said: I trust such may be the case. I learn from Mr. Webb that you would like to ship on board the Reindeer. Mr. Webb has so advised me. What position would you prefer? Any that I am capable of filling, was his prompt reply. Have you any knowledge of vessels? None, except what I have learned from the books. Put the questions to the boy directly, suggested Webb. That would do if I was examining him for Sailing Master, replied the Captain, but it is not expected that the young man has studied or knows anything about navigation. I am willing to be examined on that point, rejoined Walter. The Captain was surprised at the cool confidence of the boy, but proceeded with his examination. He soon found that theoretically, the young man was perfect. He also learned that book learning was not to be despised, for Walter was not only master of the principles of navigation, but could locate almost all the continents, seas and shoals of the world. He could name the different parts of a ship, and the rigging employed in sailing it. That will do for the present, young man. You can retire, and I will talk over the matter with Mr. Webb. Walter left the room. Mr. Webb, this young man is a prodigy. When, how and where did he acquire this knowledge? I never understood that you were a navigator. But you forget, Captain, that I am a surveyor and civil engineer, and that before I could trust him to do my work, I had to know that he understood the principles, and from surveying to navigation, there is but one step, and that step he has taken. But, rejoined Captain Davis, in surveying through the woods, no great accuracy is required, but at sea, accuracy is required. It is essential to the safety of the ship. And in case we are driven from our course by the wind or currents, we must determine our exact latitude and longitude, otherwise we are lost. And this youngster makes this calculation to a fraction.