'What I want to do is for you to build a Noah's ark on the top of the highest tower.

Then when the sea's rough and the wind blows, all the Sea-Dwellers can just get into their ark and then they'll be quite safe whatever happens.' 'You said all that afore,' said Mr.Perrin, 'and I wonder at you, so I do.' 'I thought it was _such_ a good idea,' said poor Philip in gloom.
'Oh, the _idea's_ all right,' said Mr.Perrin; 'there ain't nothing to complain of 'bout the _idea_.' 'Then what _is_ wrong ?' Philip asked impatiently.
'You've come to the wrong shop,' said Mr.Perrin slowly.

'I ain't the man to take away another chap's job, not if he was to be in the humblest way of business; but when it comes to slapping the government in the face, well, there, Master Pip, I wouldn't have thought it of you.

It's as much as my place is worth.' 'Look here,' said Philip, stopping short in despair, 'will you tell me straight out why you won't help me ?' 'I'm not a-going to go building arks, at my time of life,' said Mr.
Perrin.

'Mr.Noah'd break his old heart, so he would, if I was to take on his job over his head.' 'Oh, you mean I ought to ask him ?' ''Course you ought to ask him.