The Postbox of the Sea

It is 1820 or thereabouts. In the downstairs room of an inn in St Malo, Captain Gertrais, an old ocean-going captain, is talking with Captain Clubin of the steamship Durande. Captain Gertrais is telling Captain Clubin about the postbox of the sea.

What do you mean by the postbox of the sea?

You don't know what that is, Captain Clubin?

No.

When you pass the Strait of Magellan ....

Well?

Snow everywhere, always rough weather, vile winds, a foul sea.

What then?

When you have rounded Cape Monmouth ....

Then?

Then you round Cape Valentine.

And then?

Then you round Cape Isidore.

And then?

Then you round Cape Anna.

Alright, but what is the postbox of the sea you talk about?

I'm coming to that.

I have quoted Victor Hugo at length, because he is an excellent writer. He does not hesitate to use over half a page to illustrate the old ocean-going captain's way of building up a story. From here, the old ocean-going captain goes on to explain about the postbox of the sea.....

(I'm coming to that).