Select the correct text in the passage.
Which detail from the passage best supports the idea that Captain Hunnewell believes his vessel is exceptional?
adapted from Drowne's Wooden Image
by Nathaniel Hawthorne
One sunshiny morning, in the good old times of the town of Boston, a young carver in wood, well known by the name of
Drowne, stood contemplating a large oaken log, which it was his purpose to convert into the figurehead of a vessel. And while her
discussed within his own mind what sort of shape or similitude it were well to bestow up this excellent piece of timber, there
came into Drowne's workshop a certain Captain Hunnewell, owner and command of the good brig called the Cynosure, which had
just returned from her first voyage.
Ahl that will do, Drowne, that will dol" cried the jolly captain, tapping the log "I bespeak this very piece of oak for the
figurehead of the Cynosure. She has shown herself the sweetest craft that ever floated, and I mean to decorate her prow with the
handsomest image that the skill of man can cut out of timber. And, Drowne, you are the fellow to execute it."
"You give me more credit than I deserve, Captain Hunnewell," said the carver, modestly, yet as one conscious of eminence in
his art. "But, for the sake of a the good brig. I stand ready to do my best. And which of these designs do you prefer? Here,"-
pointing to a staring, half-length figure, in a white wig and scarlet coat,-"here is an excellent model, the likeness of our gracious
king. Or what say you to Britannia with the trident?"
"All very fine, Drowne; all very fine," answered the mariner. "But as nothing like the brig ever swam the ocean, so I am
determined she shall have such a figurehead as old Neptune never saw in his life. And what is more, as there is a secret in the
matter, you must pledge your credit not to betray it."
"Certainly," said Drowne, marveling, however, what possible mystery there could be in reference to an affair so open, of
necessity, to the inspection of all the world as the figurehead of a vessel. "You may depend, captain, on my being as secret as
the nature of the case will permit."
