Well, have I shown that I can run a ship?
Have I learned the game of control?
During the weeks we've been at sea, bursting along, have I proved myself ?" Michael smiled.

"What did I say to you the first night on board, sir?
Didn't I say they'd make an officer of you when they found out what brains you had?
By St.Patrick, you've made yourself captain with the good-will of all, and your iron hand has held the thing together.

You've got a great head, too, sir." Dyck looked at him with a face in which the far future showed.
"Michael, I've been lucky.

I've had good men about me.

God only knows what would have happened to me if the master hadn't been what he is--a gentleman who knows his job-aye, a gentleman through and through! If he had gone against me, Michael"-- he flicked a finger to the sky--"well, that much for my chances! I'd have been dropped overboard, or stabbed in my cabin, as was that famous Captain Pigot, son of an admiral, who had as much soul as you'd find in a stone-quarry.