He was confident that, on the square, "on the square, mind!" there was nothing he couldn't meet.

Ever since he had been "so high"-- "quite a little chap," he had been preparing himself for all the difficulties that can beset one on land and water.

He confessed proudly to this kind of foresight.

He had been elaborating dangers and defences, expecting the worst, rehearsing his best.

He must have led a most exalted existence.