You may be sure that I would never make another voyage and it would save me from the fate of many an old shell-back that is dying around now." Joe's firm belief was that every old sailor who died, turned into a sea- gull.

Prompted by curiosity, Paul said: "Now, Joe, what is the first thing you would purchase supposing you had one hundred thousand dollars ?" "A quart of good Scotch whisky," promptly exclaimed Joe with a string of oaths to confirm his assertion, and he smacked his lips in satisfaction as though already enjoying it.
About two months after leaving New York, Table Rock was sighted and the same day anchor was let go off Cape Town.

During this long voyage Paul improved the opportunity in studying and getting more practical ideas of navigation.

By the time they cast anchor at Cape Town the captain assured him that he was as competent as himself and begged him to keep on with him to China as the man holding the position of first mate was very unskillful and he wished to get rid of him.

Paul, however, had the diamond fever and no amount of persuasion could change his mind.