The infamous and thoroughly dangerous pirate "Devil Dog" Flint was renowned not only for his success as a buccaneer but also for his skill as a mariner. For years he roamed the world, always a step ahead of the navies of several countries.
Every morning Flint went through a strange ritual. He would lock himself in his quarters and open a small safe. In the safe was an envelope that held a piece of paper. He would stare at the paper, then lock it away. Thereafter he would go about his business.
For years this went on, and his crew became suspicious. Was it a treasure map? A secret commission from the king? A letter from a long lost love? Everyone speculated about the contents of the strange envelope.
One day Flint at last met his match. After laying his body to rest on a remote island, the mate led the crew into the captains quarters. He opened the safe, produced the envelope, and opened it with trembling hands.
The mate turned pale as he showed the paper to the astonished company. Four words were printed thereon in two lines:
Port Left Starboard Right
-----------------A Final Thought ...
"Those who live by the sea can hardly form a single thought of which the sea would not be part."
- Hermann Broch (1886–1951), Austrian novelist