'That makes eight divisions, as we call them. So look smart and
follow. Each of these eight is divided into two symbolically and
symmetrically divided parts, as is most evident in the nomenclature of
the same,' said the old sailor. 'Thus between N. and NE. is NNE.,
between NE. and E. is ENE., between E. and SE. is...'
'I see,' said the young fool.
The old sailor, frowning at him, continued -
'Smart you there. Heels together, and note you well. Each of these
sixteen divisions is separated quite reasonably and precisely into
two. Thus between N. and NNE. we get N. by E.,' said the old sailor;
'and between NNE. and NE. we get NE. by E., and between NE. and ENE.
we get NE. by E.,' said the old sailor; 'and between ENE. and E. we
get E. by N., and then between E. and ESE. we get...'
But here he noticed something dangerous in the young fool's eyes, and
having read all his life Admiral Griles' 'Notes on Discipline', and
knowing that discipline is a subtle bond depending 'not on force but
on an attitude of the mind,' he continued -
'And so TO CUT A LONG STORY SHORT we come round to the north again.'
Then he added, 'It is customary also to divide each of these points
into quarters. Thus NNE. 3/4 E. signifies...'
But at this point the young fool, whose hands were clasped behind him
and concealed a marlin-spike, up and killed the old sailor, and so
rounded off this fascinating tale.
Well then, to cut a long story short, I had to make forced marches.
With eight francs and ten centimes, and nearer ninety than eighty-five
miles before the next relief, it was necessary to plan and then to
urge on heroically. Said I to myself, 'The thing can be done quite
easily. What is ninety miles? Two long days! Who cannot live on four
francs a day? Why, lots of men do it on two francs a day.'
But my guardian angel said to me, 'You are an ass! Ninety miles is a
great deal more than twice forty-five. Besides which' (said he) 'a
great effort needs largeness and ease. Men who live on two francs a
day or less are not men who attempt to march forty-five miles a day.
Indeed, my friend, you are pushing it very close.'
'Well,' thought I, 'at least in such a glorious air, with such Hills
all about one, and such a race, one can come to no great harm.'
But I knew within me that Latins are hard where money is concerned,
and I feared for my strength.
