I always took a deep interest in every thing connected with the steamer." "I should think you might, on board of such a fine vessel as the Bellevite." "I have stood my trick at the wheel for weeks together; and the quartermasters taught me all they knew about steering, the compass, the log, the lead, and the signals." "Those things have nothing to do with the engine," suggested Percy.
"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.