then he was carried to a tent in the ship ; they seated him on a quilted couch , supported him with pillows , and brought strong drink , fruits , and basil , which they placed alongside him . `` they would n't have stopped to find that out . he got up from the couch and stood in front of me , holding out his hand . he 's a first-time father and with what happened before -- well , it 's understandable . '' but why would that be your first assumption ? 