human
Now, said Danbury, throwing himself into a chair,
gpt
I'd like to know how in thunder Stubbs got you.
human
He didn't--I got Stubbs.
gpt
But where----
human
On the pier, broke in Stubbs,
gpt
You got the note to Valverde all right?
human
I got the note to your long-legged friend, but--it's his eyes, man! It's his eyes! They ain't human! I seen a man like him once what went mad from the heat an'-- he lowered his voice,
gpt
Don't! exploded Danbury.
human
No more of your ghastly yarns! Val is going to be useful to me or--I'm darned if I could stand him. I don't like him after dark.
gpt
They shines in the dark like a cat's--them eyes does.
human
Drop it, Stubbs! Drop it! I want to forget him for a while. That isn't telling me how you chanced----
gpt
That's just it, interrupted Wilson.
human
It was chance. I was looking for an opportunity to get to Carlina, and by inspiration was led to ask Stubbs. He made the proposition that I come with him, and I came. I had no more idea of seeing you than my great-grandfather. I was going back to thank you, but one thing has followed another so swiftly that I hadn't the time.
gpt
I know, I know. But if you really want to thank me, you must tell me all about it some day. If things hadn't been coming so fast my own way I should have lain awake nights guessing about you. If I could have picked out one man I wanted on this trip with me I'd have taken a chance on you. The way you stood off that crowd made a hit with me. I don't know what sort of a deal you've made with Stubbs, but I'll make one of my own with you after dinner. Now about the others. No shanghaiing, was there, Stubbs? Every man knows where he's going and what he's hired for?
human
They will afore they're through.
gpt
I'm afraid you've been overzealous. I won't have a man on board against his will, if I have to sail back to port with him. But once he's decided for himself,--I'll be damned if he turns yellow safely.
human
Ye've gotter remember, said Stubbs,
gpt
And they were sober when they did it?
human
I ain't been lookin' arter their morals or their personal habits, replied Stubbs, with some disgust.
gpt
As fer their turnin' yeller--mos' men are yeller until they are afraid not ter be.
human
I don't believe it. I don't believe it,--not Americans. And that's one thing I insisted upon,--they are all Americans?
gpt
Every mother's son of 'em swore they was. Not bein' present at their birth----
human
Well, we'll look 'em over to-morrow and I'll have a talk with them. I'm going to put it up to them squarely--good pay for good fighters. By the Lord, Stubbs, I can't realize yet that we're actually on the way. Think of it,--in less than a month we'll be at it!
gpt
Gentlemen, he said, raising his glass,
human
I have a toast to propose: to Her health and Her throne.