"I know," he went on, an absent, wistful look in his eye; "but you must have wondered, just the same.

I bought that craft because--well, because she reminded me of old times, I cal'late.

I used to command a schooner like her once; bigger and lots more able, of course, but a fishin' schooner, same as she used to be.

And I was a good skipper, if I do say it.

My crews jumped when I said the word, now I tell you.