human
We are listening, Crockston,
gpt
Good! You, Captain, will go to General Beauregard, and ask a favour of him which he will not refuse you.
human
And what is that?
gpt
You will tell him that you have on board a tiresome subject, a scamp who has been very troublesome during the voyage, and excited the crew to revolt. You will ask of him permission to shut him up in the citadel; at the same time, on the condition that he shall return to the ship on her departure, in order to be taken back to England, to be delivered over to the justice of his country.
human
Good! said James Playfair, half smiling,
gpt
I will do all that, and Beauregard will grant my request very willingly.
human
I am perfectly sure of it,
gpt
But, resumed Playfair,
human
What is that?
gpt
The scamp.
human
He is before you, Captain.
gpt
What, the rebellious subject?
human
Is myself; don't trouble yourself about that.
gpt
Oh! you brave, generous heart,
human
Go, Crockston, said James Playfair;
gpt
I understand you, my friend; and I only regret one thing--that is, that I cannot take your place.
human
Everyone his part, replied Crockston;
gpt
Well, Crockston, go on.
human
Once in the citadel--I know it--I shall see what to do, and rest assured I shall do my best; in the meanwhile, you will be getting your cargo on board.
gpt
Oh, business is now a very unimportant detail,
human
Not at all! And what would your Uncle Vincent say to that? We must join sentiment with work; it will prevent suspicion; but do it quickly. Can you be ready in six days?
gpt
Yes.
human
Well, let the _Dolphin_ be ready to start on the 22nd.
gpt
She shall be ready.
human
On the evening of the 22nd of January, you understand, send a gig with your best men to White Point, at the end of the town; wait there till nine o'clock, and then you will see Mr. Halliburtt and your servant.
gpt
But how will you manage to effect Mr. Halliburtt's deliverance, and also escape yourself?
human
That's my look-out.
gpt
Dear Crockston, you are going to risk your life then, to save my father!
human
Don't be uneasy, Miss Jenny, I shall risk absolutely nothing, you may believe me.
gpt
Well, asked James Playfair,
human
To-day--you understand--I demoralise your crew; there is no time to be lost.
gpt
Would you like any money? It may be of use to you in the citadel.
human
Money to buy the gaoler! Oh, no, it would be a poor bargain; when one goes there the gaoler keeps the money and the prisoner! No, I have surer means than that; however, a few dollars may be useful; one must be able to drink, if needs be.
gpt
And intoxicate the gaoler.
human
No, an intoxicated gaoler would spoil everything. No, I tell you I have an idea; let me work it out.
gpt
Here, my good fellow, are ten dollars.
human
It is too much, but I will return what is over.
gpt
Well, then, are you ready?
human
Quite ready to be a downright rogue.
gpt
Let us go to work, then.
human
Crockston, said the young girl, in a faltering voice,
gpt
I know it, replied the American, laughing good-humouredly.
human
By the by, Captain, an important item.
gpt
What is that?
human
If the General proposes to hang your rebel--you know that military men like sharp work--
gpt
Well, Crockston?
human
Well, you will say that you must think about it.
gpt
I promise you I will.