human
Anchor clear! said I.
gpt
Why, we have a good hour more before we meet the flood.
human
I know that, Jacob, as well as you do; but we shall not go farther to-night. Be smart, and see all clear.
gpt
Will you go on shore and give the letters to Mr Drummond's correspondent, or shall I go for you?
human
You had better go,
gpt
I can't understand all this,
human
I don't suppose you can, replied Marables:
gpt
I will make that promise if you satisfy me that all is right,
human
As to all being right, Jacob, that's as may be; but if I prove to you that there is no harm done to our master, I suppose you will keep the secret. However, I must not allow you to think worse of it than it really is; no, I'll trust to your good nature. You wouldn't harm me, Jacob? Marables then told me that Fleming had once been well-to-do in the world, and during the long illness and subsequent death of Marables' wife, had lent him money; that Fleming had been very imprudent, and had run up a great many debts, and that the bailiffs were after him. On this emergency he had applied to Marables to help him, and that, in consequence, he had received him on board of the barge, where they never would think of looking for him; that Fleming had friends, and contrived to go on shore at night to see them, and get what assistance he could from them in money: in the meantime his relations were trying what they could do to arrange with his creditors.
gpt
Now, said Marables, after this narration,
human
That may be all true, replied I;
gpt
Why, you see, Jacob, I owe him money, and he allows me so much per week for the cabin, by which means I pay it off. Do you understand now?
human
Yes, I understand what you have said,
gpt
Well, then, Jacob, I hope you'll say nothing about it. It would only harm me, and do no good.
human
That depends upon Fleming's behaviour towards me, replied I.
gpt
I will not be bullied and made uncomfortable by him, depend upon it; he has no business on board the barge, that's clear, and I am bound 'prentice to her. I don't wish to hurt you; and as I suppose Fleming won't be long on board, I shall say nothing unless he treats me ill.
human
Why, Jacob, my man, you've had a famous nap, said Fleming, with apparent good humour;