Explore "American Boys Afloat" by Oliver Optic on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
An independent cruise in the Maud was to the big four the most delightful affair in the world, not that they considered themselves restricted and restrained on board of the Guardian-Mother, for they had all the liberty they desired. Louis was devoted to his studies, though he desired to obtain all the practical information he could as he went from port to port in foreign countries. The other three were very much inclined to follow his lead, whether it was to work or play, to study or recreate.
The pleasure of navigating the Maud on their own responsibility was a novelty which they enjoyed in the highest degree, though it was likely to lose some of its charm in time. They had had a taste of this pleasure in the excursion to Tangier, and the exciting features connected with it had given it an additional zest.