Posted by Ed Kiser on October 22, 2002 at 06:03:27 from 152.163.188.167 user Kisered.
When the time came to mess with the engine,
we all know who it would be to dive down under
the companionway and get all greasy wiping the
engine with a piece of cotton waste, or giving
a turn of the screw to add a bit of lubrication,
or adjust the throttle until it sounds just
right. No doubt about it, it would be ROGER.
Now the question is, who said:
"Sail is the thing."
I felt very sure of that answer. Of course that
just had to be John. Roger was the one wanting
to go to the oars, but John wanted to hold out
for that last breath of wind. It must have
been John that said that phrase.
So I looked it up. Found it in the last chapter
of SA, as both boats are leaving Wild Cat Island
to return to their respective homes, with Captain
Flint rowing out to wave goodby to them as they
sailed by. The wind was a bit not all that strong,
so of course, Roger would be the one to suggest
getting out the oars. That is as expected.
Now, SOMEBODY commented that "sail is the thing."
It was ROGER.
I never would have thought it, but after looking
it up and seeing it, there it was. It is almost
unbelievable. I have always figured it to be
John to come up with that observation. Surprise,
surprise...
Amazing how after all these years, with all these
re-readings, things keep coming up that somehow are
being seen for the first time. Just goes to show
the adventure is still there for the reader.
Ed Kiser, South Florida