"But let me remind you that this situation came to me unasked.

I am like a puzzle-headed chief- mate we had once in the dear old _Samarcand_ when I was a youngster.

The fellow went gravely about trying to "account to himself"-- his favourite expression--for a lot of things no one would care to bother one's head about.

He was an old idiot but he was also an accomplished practical seaman.

I was quite a boy and he impressed me.