Apes were known in Europe since ancient times, but it was not until the beginning of the modern era that knowledge of them became common. It happened once, during the age of sailing vessels that a ship sailed from Liverpool to the East Indies and at last reached port. Early in the morning the captain and his mate were walking and happened past another ship. It seemed that part of its cargo was an ape that had escaped its confines and perched in the rigging, wearing a sailor's cap and coat, and looking decidedly nautical.
"What do you make of that, Mr. Jackson," inquired the captain.
"Well, Capt'in, it's difficult to tell. It's too hairy to be a gunner's mate, and the legs are too short for a rigger."
"Aye," replied the captain, "and too spry and able-bodied for ship's cook."
"There would be more tattoos on a Bo'sun," continued the mate.
Just then the ape commenced swinging by one arm.
"Go aboard," said the captain, "and see if all the officers are accounted for ..."