He looked me over carefully, and said, "What an example of patience!" "Patience is all that is required," I ventured to reply.

He then asked if my vessel had water-tight compartments.

I explained that she was all water-tight and all compartment.

"What if she should strike a rock ?" he asked.

"Compartments would not save her if she should hit the rocks lying along her course," said I; adding, "she must be kept away from the rocks." After a considerable pause Mr.
Stanley asked, "What if a swordfish should pierce her hull with its sword ?" Of course I had thought of that as one of the dangers of the sea, and also of the chance of being struck by lightning.