The _Elsinore_, fresh-loaded with coal, lay very deep in the water when we came alongside.

I knew too little about ships to be capable of admiring her lines, and, besides, I was in no mood for admiration.

I was still debating with myself whether or not to chuck the whole thing and return on the tug.

From all of which it must not be taken that I am a vacillating type of man.

On the contrary.
The trouble was that at no time, from the first thought of it, had I been keen for the voyage.