The apparatus was constantly hissing and sustaining invisible dialogues.

Besides, mounted on the stern was a cannon covered with a canvas hood, ready to begin work.
The dreams of his childhood when he used to devour stories of corsairs and novels of maritime adventures seemed about to be realized.

He was now entitled to call himself "Captain of Sea and War" like the ancient navigators.

If a submarine should pass before him, he would attack it from the prow; if it should try to pursue him, he would respond with the cannon.
His adventurous humor actually made him anxious for one of these encounters.

A maritime combat had not yet occurred in his life, and he wished to see how these modest and silent men who had made war on land and contemplated death at close range, would demean themselves.
It was not long before his desire was realized.