The Adventures of Captain Vrungel

Navigation at our maritime school was taught by Christofor Bonifatievich Vrungel. “Navigation,” he said in the first lesson, “is the science that teaches us to choose the safest and most profitable sea routes, plot these routes on charts, and guide ships along them… Navigation,” he added in closing, “is not an exact science. To master it fully, you need firsthand experience from long practical voyages.”

This seemingly unremarkable introduction caused us to have fierce arguments, and all the students were split into two camps. Some believed—and not without reason—that Vrungel was nothing less than an old sea wolf retired from service. He knew navigation brilliantly, taught it interestingly and with flair, and apparently he had enough experience. It seemed as if Christofor Bonifatievich really had sailed all seas and oceans. But people, as you know, can be different. Some are so trusting beyond measure; others, on the contrary, are inclined to criticism and doubt. And among us there were those who claimed that our professor…