Enterprise

by Ward Muir

A project was forming in my mind. I looked at the water. It was a peculiar, vitreous green, closer under the steamer, was transparent to the depth of many feet. Beneath my shoe-soles the poop was hot; over side, the sea looked inexpressibly inviting. And on a sudden I turned to the drowsing Captain and exclaimed: “I want to bathe.”

“To bathe?” The Captain gazed at me.

“Why not?”

The Captain yawned out some lethargic suggestion to the effect that to bathe would be dangerous because of the depth—as though I’d be more apt to drown in three miles of water than in three fathoms.

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Question
Use the passage below to answer the question.

In 1–2 sentences, explain an inference about Harborough based on the details in the passage, and provide at least one piece of strong evidence to support your inference.

(2 points)

1 answer

An inference about Harborough is that he is adventurous and seeks new experiences, as indicated by his sudden desire to swim in the inviting water despite the Captain's warnings about potential dangers. The text states, “I turned to the drowsing Captain and exclaimed: ‘I want to bathe,’” highlighting his impulsive and daring nature.