Children anywhere can be considered pests, when they ask too many questions. Adults tend to be more annoyed by inquisitive children, if the myriad of questions are distracting at work. At least it was distracting to the retired navy "hard hat diver" hired to investigate the leak below the waterline, of an aging yacht in the Miami River.

While at sea the yacht had been knocked down by rough seas, then suffered the loss of her mast but was able to be motored back to Miami. The yacht once was a fine one, now damaged and tired it was relegated to shore duty, pending repairs.

Tied at the rivers edge, the sloop was rented out temporarily to a young family, with two boys age 9 and 5.
The older boy stood in awe as he watched the divers air hose, the "hard hat" being placed over the divers head, the helmet being locked. The young boy intently watched everything that was being done while the diver prepared for the Miami River.
9 years old with an inquisitive mind, the youngster had lots of questions. Questions about every facet of the suit, the gear and he fired off the questions in rapid sequence. The diver responded matter of factually at first. Later as the questions had not slowed in the slightest, the diver began to show some signs of irritation. He seemed like he was glad to have the glass mask with the winged brass screws closed over the helmet, now not allowing him to speak. His helper on the air pump, explained the diver would not be able to talk.

As the diver, in full regalia, canvas suit, heavy shoes and weighted belt, was slowly sinking into the brackish waters, the boy continued with the questions, now directed them to the diver's assistant.
The youngster lived on the boat. It was a temporary home as the young mans father had rented the yacht to provide shelter during the construction of the families new home. The leak inside the yacht had been reported to the owner. The "on board" family, from father to sons, were curious about what had caused the leak. Both boys watched the stream of bubbles move along the waters surface, the only indicator of where the diver was working, with anxiety.

Eventually the leak was repaired, the diver was assisted back on to the river bank. Now seated, the assistant was removing the diver's helmet. The boy was literally in the face of the helmet when it was removed, questions were about to begin. As the divers head appeared, the boy blurted out "What caused the leak?" The young man wanted to be the first to know.
The diver, answered, now more agitated than before; "A swordfish's bill got stuck into the bottom of the boat. I had to remove it and it swam away. OK?"
Thrilled to have "first hand knowledge" the boy charged off leaving the diver in peace. The boy relayed the story all about school.
It was many years later that the author finally realized, the impossibility of the diver's explanation. It is a true story, I felt foolish for believing the diver back then, but laugh at the event now.

Learn more about this author, Hank Tredson.
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