‘No, sir.’
‘Where were you reared?’
‘On a farm—all of us.’
‘This vessel requires a crew of eight hundred men, she not being a steamer. You must provide them. She must have four mates and nine cooks. Who is captain?’
‘I am, sir.’
‘You must get a captain. Also a chambermaid. Also sick nurses for the old people. Who designed this vessel?’
‘I did, sir.’
‘Is it your first attempt?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘I partly suspected it. Cargo?’