And in spite of some very lively disputes, he succeeded in snatching the child away from Dona Cristina.
The first things that Ulysses admired upon entering the doctor's home were the three frigates adorning the ceiling of the dining-room--three marvelous vessels in which there was not lacking a single sail nor pulley rope, nor anchor, and which might be made to sail over the sea at a moment's notice.
They were the work of his grandfather Ferragut.

Wishing to release his two sons from the marine service which had weighed upon the family for many centuries, he had sent them to the University of Valencia in order that they might become inland gentlemen.

The older, Esteban, had scarcely terminated his career before he obtained a notaryship in Catalunia.

The younger one, Antonio, became a doctor so as not to thwart the old man's wishes, but as soon as he acquired his degree he offered his services to a transatlantic steamer.

His father had closed the door of the sea against him and he had entered by the window.
And so, as Ferragut Senior began to grow old, he lived completely alone.