Egholm stood by the window overlooking the yard. He blew through the tap, and turned it lovingly in his fingers. A great ship came throbbing towards him and took him on board. And he mounted up, high, high, up to the bridge.
“Full speed ahead! Stand by! Full speed astern!”
And the ship went astern till Captain Egholm felt the tears welling into his eyes with delight. A little after, he went to the kitchen door.
“Sivert!”
A timorous “Yes” came from within.
“Did you really think I was God Himself?”
Sivert nodded.
His father turned on his heel and said calmly:
“Then you were wrong, boy, because I’m not.”