" `If' is a seaman without a ship!--
He's a famous navigator."
"Martin Pinzon?"
"Him too. But I meant our Admiral."
"He hasn't had a ship for years!"
"He was of the best when he had one! I've heard old
Captain Ruy tell--"
"Maybe he wasn't crazy in those days, but he's crazy
now!"
That was Fernando. I think it was from him that certain
of the crew took the word "crazy." They used it
until one would think that for pure variety's sake they
would find another!
The sixth day from Palos there lifted from sea the peak
of Teneriffe.
This day, passing on some errand the open door of the
great cabin, I saw the Admiral seated at the table. Looking
up, he saw me, gazed an instant, then lifted his voice.
Come in here!"
He sat with a great chart spread upon the table before
him. Beside it the log lay open, and he had under his hand
a book in which he was writing. Door framed blue sky
and sea, a pleasant wind was singing in a pleasant warmth,
the great cabin which, with the rest of the ship, he made
to be kept very clean, was awash with light and fineness of
air. "Would you like to look at the chart?" he asked, and I
came and looked over his shoulder.
"I made it," he said. "There is nothing in the world
more useful than knowing how to make maps and charts!
While I waited for Kings to make up their minds I earned
my living so.
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