Still, Marco was surprised that he should fear it at all.

He was not aware how much the fears which people feel, are occasioned by the mere novelty of the danger which they incur.

A stage-driver, who is calm and composed on his box, in a dark night, and upon dangerous roads, will be alarmed by the careening of a ship under a gentle breeze at sea,--while the sailor who laughs at a gale of wind on the ocean, is afraid to ride in a carriage on land.
"An't you a sailor ?" asked Marco.
"Yes," replied his companion.
"I shouldn't think that a man that had been used to the sea, would be afraid of upsetting in a coach." "I'm not a _man_" said the sailor.
"What are you ?" said Marco.
"I'm a boy.

I'm only nineteen years old; though I'm going to be rated seaman next voyage." "Have you just got back from a voyage ?" asked Marco.
"Yes," said the sailor.

"I've been round the Horn in a whaler, from old Nantuck.