I own nothing other than an appreciation of Jack's wit.
A Nautical Term
"Jack, I have a question," Stephen began as he entered the great cabin for breakfast. Jack, already working on some sort of papers, answered mechanically. 'Yes Stephen, what is your question?"
"I overheard some crew the other day, speaking quietly, of all things. They mentioned some nautical term I had not heard before, surely some ancient and abstract item having to do with the top braces, no doubt." Jack, still engrossed with his paperwork, was only half listening. "Stephen, what is your term, as you can see I am deep in miserable paper work, the bane of all ship captains."
"As I said, I am sure it is a nautical term along with hammers and chockablock, whatever that is. It was the nature of the usage that puzzled me." Sighing and putting his pen down, Jack looked up at Stephen with a glare. "Doctor, I am most happy to answer your question, should you ever be able to put it into a sentence. I have been lax in my record keeping and now am with child to finish the damn stuff."
'Well, seeing as you are too busy, I shall not trouble you any longer." "Stephen, what is your term?" Jack almost shouted, "The men spoke of a reachround, which I suppose is something useful when in the topgallants." At the term the corners of Jack's mouth curved up and a twinkle lit his eye. "How was it used, Stephen, I mean in terms of speaking?"
"The part I heard was this, they were speaking about some bugger who would not give you a reachround when you were in need of one. It must be some nautical term, because I have never heard it ashore." Inwardly Jack was laughing so hard he could barely speak normally. "Stephen, it means a bloke who would not give you a helping hand. And Stephen, I believe it is term some landlubbers would know also."
'Thank you Jack, I can always count on you to explain naval terms succinctly. When Stephen left the room, thus enlightened, Jack put his pen down and enjoyed a hearty laugh. Naughtyical term indeed. I shall have to remember that one.