“Well, Somers,” said Captain McBride, stopping at the side of the window of the wheel-house, “did the letter please you?” “Very much, sir,” replied Jack. “Will you please to read it, sir?” Captain McBride, in spite of the traditions of the navy, had ventured to be quite familiar with the quartermasters of the Middy; for both of them were trusty men, and had more than once won the approbation of the officers. He took the letter, and read it through. “I knew something about this matter before, Somers; and I congratulate you upon the bright prospect before you.” “Thank you, sir,” replied Jack, touching his cap; for he was determined that this familiarity in his case should not breed contempt. “I don’t know much about your education, Somers. What have you studied?” asked the captain. “I’ve only been to the common school, sir; but I went through with what they called the high-school course.” “Have you studied Latin?” “No, sir,” laughed Jack; “but I have studied algebra and geometry.” “Well, Somers, I’ll give you my opinion, and you may take it for what it is worth. I’ve got some books in my cabin; and, while we are lying at anchor, I recommend you to overhaul your studies, and brush them up. You have plenty of time to spare.” “I thank you, sir: I shall certainly do so.” “You and Longstone have the wheel-house all to yourselves after we have discharged the pilot; and there is nothing to prevent your making good use of your time.” “I shall do so, sir.” “And, if you want any assistance, I will cheerfully afford it,” added the captain as he walked aft. “Thank you, sir. You are very kind.” “God bless your honor!” ejaculated Tom Longstone, who felt just as though all these favors were conferred upon himself. “What’s in the wind, my darling?” “Port!” said the pilot. “Port, sir!” repeated Tom. “Steady!” added the pilot, who was determined that the wheelman should not do any talking while upon duty. “Steady, sir!” repeated Tom. But Jack, who sympathized with his friend in his impatience to know what the important letter contained, took the helm, and handed the document to Tom, who sat down in the corner, and proceeded to study out its contents. “Is it a middy, my darling?” exclaimed the veteran when he had finished the letter. “I touch my hat to your honor.” “Not yet, Tom.” “Starboard!” said the pilot. “Starboard, sir!” added Jack. “No talking at the helm!” said the pilot testily. “If you say another word, I’ll report you to the officer of the deck.” Tom took the helm again, and Jack went below. In the course of the day, the captain gave him several works on geometry, gunnery, and mathematics in general, which he carefully deposited in the closet in the wheel-house.