'Magic,' he replies simply, as if it is the only reasonable explanation. 'Though not magic of the kind that ensures that the Dutchman will always have a captain. Mine happens to be particular to who I am.'

He turns round to face her, standing with his back to the open door. 'I suspected that something had happened regarding the Dutchman, but I did not know that an actual transfer of command had taken place. Your husband is now her captain, then?'