`` the ship came about so quickly , '' yves said , `` that the sailor tumbled over the railing to the main deck - and when he landed , flat on his - '' yves hesitated , then said in the direction of mme de maintenon 's open window , `` - i beg your pardon , your grace , i 've been too long among rough sailors , i mean to say he landed in a seated position - he never spilled a drop of his wine ration . ''