they would be torpedoed....
The old man's smile showed contempt of all such dangers.

He was certain that nothing bad could possibly happen to the _Mare Nostrum_.

The furies of the sea were unavailing against it and still less could the wickedness of man injure it.
"I know what I'm talking about, Captain....

I am sure that we shall come out safe and sound from all dangers." He thought of his miracle-working amulets, of his sacred pictures, of the supernatural protection that his pious prayers were bringing him.
Furthermore, he was taking into consideration the Latin name of the ship which had always inspired him with religious respect.

It belonged to the language used by the Church, to the idiom which brought about miracles and expelled the devil, making him run away aghast.
"The _Mare Nostrum_ will not suffer any misfortune.