There was not a breath of wind, and the German pilot on board was unwilling to sail without a good breeze, so that the ship would work lively. The runaways, therefore, were not obliged to show themselves that evening. The commodore conducted his charge to every part of the ship which it was proper for a lady to visit. The students gazed at her with admiration, and some of them doubtless wished they were the commodore, in order to be in a situation to perform such agreeable duty. The breeze did not come during the night, and at seven bells the next morning the squadron was still at anchor. "If you are tired of waiting, Miss Gurney, we will send you ashore," said Commodore Lincoln. "Indeed, I'm not tired. I enjoy every moment of the time. I think it is delicious." "I am glad you like it; but I am sure if you were not here, I should think it was very dull indeed," added Lincoln, laughing. "Thank you, Mr. Commodore. You are very kind," continued Miss Gurney, blushing just a little. "We have to go to work in a few moments; but I hope you will find some way to amuse yourself." "To work?" "Yes; we have to study and recite our lessons; but there are plenty of books in the library." "May I go into the school-room, and see what is done?" "Certainly, if you please. You may come into our class. It is Greek, navigation, and French to-day." "I will join the class, for I have studied Greek and French, but I don't know anything about navigation." "The lesson to-day in navigation is, 'To regulate a chronometer by means of a transit instrument;' and I have no doubt you will find it very interesting," laughed the commodore. "I have no doubt I shall, but I'm afraid my interest will centre in your perplexity." "Thank you; but I have learned my lesson, and don't intend to be perplexed. Just as soon as a breeze comes, we shall get under way." "That means to start, I suppose." "'Only this, and nothing more;' but if I should say start, my shipmates would laugh at me, and declare that I was not fit to be an officer." The recitations commenced, and the guests were as much interested in them as they had been in other proceedings on board. But at ten in the forenoon, there was a good sailing breeze, and the students were dismissed from the steerage. "Now you are going to start--I mean, to get under way," said Miss Gurney. "We are," replied the commodore, as he gave the order to run up the signal for sailing at once. "Captain Cantwell." "Commodore Lincoln," replied the captain, touching his cap to his superior. "You will get the ship under way immediately." "Dear me! how fine!" exclaimed Julia. "But why don't he do it?" "Pass the word for Mr. Cumberland," added the captain to one of the midshipmen. The first lieutenant reported himself, and received his orders from the captain. The boatswain's whistle rang through the ship, and the call was heard from the consorts.