As Capt. Fairfield was on shore with the rest of the ship’s company, he was able to speak for himself. He confirmed the impression of the captain and the fourth officer, that the squadron was to go to the Cape Verds. But he did not believe that it had been definitely settled where the vessels were to go; and whether or not they visited certain islands, was to depend upon circumstances. The West Indies had been given up on account of the lateness of the season. While Capt. O’Hara was talking to the instructor about the matter, a custom-house official spoke to Raymond. “I am told that you wish to know for what port the two steamers and the two schooners that were here three days ago were bound when they left,” said the officer. “Yes, sir: we desire to know very much,” replied Raymond. “Can you give us any information?” “I can’t say that I have any official knowledge; but I heard one of the gentlemen from the smaller steamer say they were bound for Porto Praya, in the Cape Verds.” This intelligence seemed to settle the matter. It was generally understood among the students, that the cruise was to include these islands; and the statement of the custom-house official confirmed it. The officer spoke with Raymond in Spanish; but if he had heard him speak English, or try to do so, he would have been satisfied the islander was not a reliable person to report an English conversation. “If we are to follow up the fleet, we may as well go to Porto Praya,” said O’Hara, when all hands had returned to the ship after their visit to the town. “I do not see that we can do any other way,” replied Tom Speers, to whom the remark was addressed. “If the fleet has been to these islands, it will not be likely to come here again.” “That it will not; and we will sail for the Cape Verds at once.” Just before dark the Ville d’Angers went out of the port, and directed her head to the south-south-west. Shakings knew all about these islands; for he had been in a man-of-war on this station, and the port most used by the African squadron was Porto Praya. The weather was delightful, and the steamer made a quick run in a little over three days. The last was spent in sight of the more eastern of the ten islands forming the group. Capt. Fairfield encouraged the students to study up the geography and history of the Cape Verds, in the absence of Mr. Mapps.