"That is very true; but, when I had learned enough in the pilot-house, I went down into the engine and fire rooms. Mr. Vapoor, the chief engineer, and I were in the same school together; and, though he is six years older than I am, we have been cronies for four years." "And he told you about the engine?" "I made a regular study of the engine, in connection with physics, and Paul"-- "Paul? That's another fellow?" "No: it's the same fellow,--Paul Vapoor. Everybody that knows him says he is a genius. He was my teacher. But he told me that all the theory in the world would not make me an engineer: I must have the experience; and for weeks together I took the place of one of the assistant engineers. That's how I happen to know something about an engine; and I have been on board of all sorts of steamers with Paul, for the purpose of studying the engines, from a launch up to the biggest ocean-steamers." "Did you take any lessons of the cook on board of the Bellevite, Christy?" asked Percy, laughing. "I used to ask questions of him; but I have served as cook on board of a small yacht, and I know how to get up a chowder or bake a pot of beans." "All right; then I will take it for granted that you can start the engine of the Leopard," continued Percy, coming back to the topic which interested him most. "What are you going to do after you have started the engine?" "I am going to get on board of the Bellevite, and get you on board of her." "That will suit me first rate," replied Percy. "But I don't want you to think I am a Yankee, for I am not." "But I want you to think I am a Yankee, as you call it; and I am one," added Christy. "After we get on board of the Bellevite, what do you suppose she will do?" "That is more than I can tell you; but I have no doubt my father will try to get out of the bay, and then he will go to New York. It is about time to make a beginning, for the boat will not trouble us now," replied Christy, as he took a look all around the tug. "What am I to do?" "I haven't told you all I know about steering the boat for nothing, Percy, and you will remain at the wheel. But I wonder what that is over in the north-west," added Christy, as he took the glass from the shelf, and pointed it out the after window of the pilot-house. "I think I can steer her all right now. What do you see over there?" "I believe there is a steamer coming down from that direction," replied Christy anxiously, as he brought the glass to bear on the object in sight. "A steamer!" exclaimed Percy. "That will mix things with us." "Perhaps it will. It is a steamer, but it looks like a river boat, at any rate, it is not a tug. She is headed this way."