Captain Bottom was there on the quarter-deck, directing affairs, and in a talkative mood.
"She's a good ship, sir, this old Pacific is, Mr.Higgins;" said he, again addressing that officer.

"Never knew her get off her feet before." He always spoke of the ship as if she were a thing of life.

"Bless her staunch old soul! Made her timbers talk, eh?
Wants a man as has got confidence in the craft what's under him.

Then if she goes down, why he feels like being a hero and keeping her company.
"But it makes me feel bad, Mr.Higgins, that we have lost our third mate, poor fellow! He was a good sailor, and a brave young man, and had such good friends at home, who thought so much of him." And as he said this tears glistened in his eyes, and ran down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry for that young man, I am, so I am, Mr.Higgins," said the old sailor, wiping the tears from his bronzed cheeks.