"Quite right, young man, quite right," approved the commodore.  "Nothing like active service for an ambitious young fellow like yourself.  I understand that you have been working up for your examination lately. Well, to be quite candid with you, I don't think your chances of passing here are very bright--not because I consider you unfit to pass, mind you, but because it may be some time before an opportunity offers.  But that is a misfortune which, perhaps, may be remedied.  You have heard, I suppose, that your schooner has been purchased into the service?"