He could not sail a boat, but if he had been able to do so he would also in all probability have been capable of building one.

Stirling was a man who had never depended very much on others, and could, if occasion arose, dispense with their services.

He recognized something of the same resourcefulness in Weston, and, because of it, took kindly to him.
In the meanwhile the breeze had freshened, and the boat, slanting more sharply, commenced to throw the spray all over her as she left the shelter of the woods behind.

She met the short, splashing head sea with streaming bow, and the sliding froth crept farther and farther up her lee deck as she smashed through it.

Then as the water found its way over the coaming and poured down into her, Stirling glanced at his companion.
"Got all the sail she wants ?" he asked.