human
We have done well to come here, Baldo, observed Zappa to his mate.
gpt
We are here far more secure than in any harbour in the world; for no one but a mariner of our own islands would venture his ship among these reefs. See yonder black ledge, which shows its threatening summit a few feet only above the water--there is a passage between it and another reef further to the southward, through which we shall easily pass, provided the wind does not fail us altogether; and if so, we must rouse the hands up and take to our sweeps.
human
It is a dangerous place, though, captain, and one I would rather not venture into, unless I was very sure of my weather, replied the mate.
gpt
Even now, if it was to come on to blow, it would be no easy matter to get clear.
human
No fear of that, my friend; I who brought the craft into this place will take her safely out again, let the wind blow with its greatest fury. A gale is what we have day and night been praying for; and let one come, the gallant _Sea Hawk_ will brave it, and laugh at her enemies. But tell me, Baldo, how do the people like this hide-and-seek life? It is not what they have been accustomed to under my command.
gpt
They wonder what your intentions are, answered the mate.
human
They say that, by sailing westward, as you propose, we are more likely to meet with our enemies, than if we kept among the islands to the northward, where we have friends.
gpt
The very reason I would avoid the locality, said Zappa.
human
We shall certainly be sought for there; whereas, no one will expect to find us in the broad seas to the west; and remind them besides, that where we are going, we shall, without doubt, fall in with some richly-laden merchantmen, which will amply repay all hands for their losses.
gpt
There is reason in that, captain; I dare say it will content the men, said the mate.
human
But while I am on the subject, there is another complaint which they have to make.
gpt
What is it? asked the pirate, angrily, for he did not like his mate's tone.
human
I love not to hear complaints.
gpt
The stranger lady,
human
Well, what of her?
gpt
She has brought us all into this scrape,
human
So it is said, is it?
gpt
No one knows why she was brought on board, continued the mate, speaking fast, to say what he wished, before any further interruption occurred.
human
Some say that Signor Paolo brought her here; but it is supposed that he did so according to your orders.
gpt
They do, do they? said Zappa, compressing his lips.
human
And now, tell we what would they have done?
gpt
They would have you get rid of her,
human
It is what I am about to do, returned the captain.
gpt
I purpose landing her at Cephalonia.
human
What, without a ransom!
gpt
With or without a ransom, as the case may be,
human
If without a ransom, there would be a more speedy way of getting rid of her, and would better satisfy them, observed the mate, with a dogged look, in which a certain amount of fear was mingled, with audacity.
gpt
We want no women on board--all has gone ill when we have had them,
human
Speak out--what mean you?
gpt
That the deep sea will be the safest place for her, where she will not trouble us more,