Another passage that demonstrates further characterization of the professor is shown here:

"Under the circumstances," he said, "I ought to neglect noprecautions. As fate has cast me upon these shores, I shall not leave without having completely examined them."
Which of the following might be an accurate understanding of the professor’s character based upon the above passage and context clues from the entire novel?

The professor wants to get off the shore immediately.
The professor strongly believes in fate.
The professor is stubborn.
The professor values empirical science above all else.