human
Are you aware, Rowland, he asked, quietly,
gpt
I am aware of more than that, answered Rowland, excitedly.
human
I know of the power vested in you as captain. I know that you can order me into irons from this room for any offense you wish to imagine. And I know that an unwitnessed, uncorroborated entry in your official log concerning me would be evidence enough to bring me life imprisonment. But I also know something of admiralty law; that from my prison cell I can send you and your first officer to the gallows.
gpt
You are mistaken in your conceptions of evidence. I could not cause your conviction by a log-book entry; nor could you, from a prison, injure me. What are you, may I ask--an ex-lawyer?
human
A graduate of Annapolis. Your equal in professional technic.
gpt
And you have interest at Washington?
human
None whatever.
gpt
And what is your object in taking this stand--which can do you no possible good, though certainly not the harm you speak of?
human
That I may do one good, strong act in my useless life--that I may help to arouse such a sentiment of anger in the two countries as will forever end this wanton destruction of life and property for the sake of speed--that will save the hundreds of fishing-craft, and others, run down yearly, to their owners, and the crews to their families.
gpt
A result to be hoped for, Rowland, said the former, pausing before him,
human
I can fill a higher; and your company is not rich enough to buy me.
gpt
You seem to be a man without ambition; but you must have wants.
human
Food, clothing, shelter--and whisky,