The Trader's Ship

A trader's ship sought entry to a foreign port. The harbormaster was busy.

The captain signaled for entry. No response. He signaled again immediately. Still nothing.

"Wait," his first mate advised. "If you signal too often, they'll ignore you as a nuisance. Space your signals. Give them time to clear their queue."

The captain signaled. Waited an hour. Signaled again. Waited two hours. Signaled once more.

On the third signal, they were admitted. Ships that had signaled constantly were still waiting.