human
Have you got them all, waterman?
gpt
Yes, sir, I believe so; I have four.
human
The tally is right, replied he,
gpt
Thank you, sir, no occasion for that, it's not a regular fare.
human
Nevertheless, give us your name.
gpt
Oh, you may ask Mr Hodgson, the senior clerk, or that full-moon-faced fellow--they know my name.
human
Waterman, what do you mean?
gpt
Very impudent fellow,
human
If they know your name, they won't tell it, replied the other.
gpt
Now, I'll first tell you mine, which is Lieutenant Wilson, of the navy; and now let's have yours, that I may ask for it; and tell me what stairs you ply from.
human
My name is Jacob Faithful, sir, replied I;
gpt
If you mean to give me money, sir, I tell you candidly I shall not take it. I hate these two men for the injuries they have heaped on me; but I don't know how it is, I feel a degree of pleasure in having saved them, that I wish for no better revenge. So farewell, sir.
human
Spoken as you ought, my lad--that's glorious revenge. Well, then, I will not come; but if ever we meet again I shall never forget this night and Jacob Faithful.
gpt
My lad, is it too late for you to launch your boat? I will pay you well.
human
Where do you wish to go to, sir? It is now past ten o'clock.
gpt
I know it is, and I hardly expected to find a waterman here; but I took the chance. Will you take me about two miles up the river?
human
Well, sir, if you wish it, I've no objection, replied I, putting my shoulder to the bow of my wherry, and launching her again into the water. At all events, this has been a day of adventure, thought I, as I threw my sculls again into the water, and commenced pulling up the stream. I was some little while in meditation whether I should make myself known to the young man; but I decided that I would not. Let me see, thought I, what sort of a person this is-- whether he is as deserving as the young lady appeared to consider.
gpt
Which side, sir?
human
The left,
gpt
Now pull in to that wall, and make no noise, was the injunction; which I obeyed, securing the boat to the very part where the coping bricks had been displaced. He stood up, and whistled the two bars of the tune as before, waited five minutes, repeated it, and watched the windows of the house; but there was no reply, or signs of anybody being up or stirring.
human
It is too late; she is gone to rest.
gpt
I thought there was a lady in the case, sir, observed I.
human
If you wish to communicate with her, I think I could manage it.
gpt
Could you? replied he.
human
Stop a moment; I'll speak to you by-and-by. He whistled the tune once more, and after waiting another ten minutes, dropped himself down on the stern sheets, and told me to pull back again. After a minute's silence he said to me,
gpt
You think you could communicate with her, you say. Pray, how do you propose?
human
If you will write a letter, sir, I'll try to let it come to her hand.
gpt
How?
human
That, sir, you must leave me to find out, and trust to opportunity; but you must tell me what sort of a person she is, that I may not give it to another; and also, who there is in the house that I must be careful does not see me.
gpt
Very true, replied he.
human
I can only say that if you do succeed, I will reward you handsomely; but she is so strictly watched that I am afraid it will be impossible. However, a despairing, like a drowning man, will catch at a straw; and I will see whether you will be able to assist me.