The captain knew what storm the man was talking about having lost ships that he was now trying to replace. He went on,"The worst storm of the century some are sayin'! Thats where this one here thats all tore up just came in from. She just limped in out of that storm like a beat dog." He pointed,"You can see, two of 'er masts are cracked near the base; I'm suprised they didn't break clean off like the main mast did. She's banged up all over as well. Need lots of repairs and a good scrub and polish, a 'course, 'fore she's fit to sail again."
And then excitedly he turned the master sailor to show him the brand new ship: a grand and tall masted ship. The Captain had to squint his eyes to shield them from the brightness reflected off the polished chrome and brass and bronze that adorned the magnificent new vessel. "Now this here's a beauty. She's a bit pricey, mind you, but worth every penny. State of the art! and brand spankin' new; she's never been outsdside of this here jetty. We just put her in the water the other day."
And the seller looked on still incredulous for he himself was very impressed with his new ship and had seen how the Captain had admired it as well. But the fleet owner went on the explain:
If I can help it that's not gonna happen again. You see,where many other ships failed in that great tempest- this one came through. A bit worse for the ware, tis obvious, but she made it; and her men and all the cargo survived. And now we know something about this here ship. Shes been tested, tried in the fire as it were, and she's survived. Thats more than you can say for alot of others which didn't make it and who can say with this new one. A fine looking ship she is, I'll grant you, but who would you trust the lives of crew to: this one here which has never been to see and may or may not be seaworthy; or this one whose taken the worst this ole sea can throw at her and survived intact to sail another day. We know she can take the rough stuff."
And so the sale was made and the Captain had a new ship. The harbor master was dissapointed that he didn't sell the more expensive one, but sitll he had to admire the wisdom of the Master's choice. So, ready to restore the broken vessel and add it to his fleet, the Captain took his leave. As he departed he turned and said, "And don't worry, that other is a fine looking ship and most people are overly impressed by outward appearance. You should have no trouble selling her. And who knows maybe she'll prove to be a good bet after all." So with a tip of the hat and a grin the wise Captain climbed to shore and sauntered off confident in the vessel he had chosen while the harbor master stood watching him leave and scratching his head.