I got a book about that kind of a skipper out of our library down home a spell ago, and the librarian said 'twas awful popular.

A strong story, she said, and true to life.

Well, 'twas strong--you could pretty nigh smell it--but as for bein' true to life, I had my doubts.

I've been to sea, command of a vessel, for a good many years, and sometimes I'd go weeks, whole weeks, without jumpin' up and down on a single sailor.

Fact! Got my exercise other ways, I presume likely.
"I tell you," he went on, "the main trouble with that tale of yours, as I see it, is that you're talkin' about things you ain't ever seen.