As for myself, I have been a dozen times over the route and am rarely affected by the ship's motion." Then he gave me some kind advice touching my conduct when I should feel the symptoms of approaching _mal du mer_.

I thanked him and sought the deck.

An hour after we passed Sandy Hook, my new acquaintance succumbed to the evils that afflict landsmen who go down to the sea in ships.

Without any qualm of stomach or conscience, I returned the advice he had proffered me.

I did not suffer a moment from the marine malady during that voyage, or any subsequent one.[A] [Footnote A: A few years ago a friend gave me a prescription which he said would prevent sea-sickness.