human
I'm here, said Uncle Paul, going to the side, from where he had been talking to the Count.
gpt
What's the matter?
human
Matter? said the Spaniard wonderingly.
gpt
Oh, there's nothing the matter. I thought I'd tell you that those two men of mine you gave the physic to are quite well again, and don't want any more. That's all. Go on shooting the crocodiles. Good-night!
human
Doctor there? shouted the Spaniard.
gpt
Yes.
human
Haven't thought any more about going up the river, have you?
gpt
Yes; I shall start as soon as the tide turns to-morrow morning.
human
Very well, said the man carelessly.
gpt
I will come across with my long-boat and eight of my men. They want a job to keep them awake.
human
No, you needn't do that, cried Uncle Paul.
gpt
Our men would like to go up the river. If you will come across to act as guide I will use my own boat, and take all provisions that are necessary.
human
Very well, said the Spaniard.
gpt
Perhaps that will be best. Your boat's lighter than mine. Take plenty of powder and shot. Like some of my men to come and help?
human
Oh no; it will not be necessary,
gpt
Bring blankets, shouted the Spaniard.
human
Dew's heavy. Good-night!
gpt
You mean to go?
human
Yes; I don't like to lose this opportunity, and our friends here would like us to go.
gpt
Well, grunted the skipper, after a few moments' thought,
human
I was taking eight of the men to row; that is to say, four rowers, and their relief; Cross for coxswain--nine; and our three selves.
gpt
Nay, I'm not going till that brig's finished,
human
I felt assured of that, said the doctor.
gpt
The young Count is going to join us.
human
Ah, that's better, said the skipper.
gpt
But look here, gentlemen, I only look upon myself as a servant.
human
Not as mine, said the Count gravely.
gpt
I shall always look upon you, Captain Chubb, as one of my most valued friends.
human
And I am sure Captain Chubb knows that I do, said the doctor,
gpt
Oh, don't bring that up again, sir, grunted the skipper.
human
That was a blunder, and every man makes them. Well, that's very nice of you, gentlemen--very nice indeed; and I was going to speak out a bit nervously,--as I consider it to be my duty to do as Dr Robson's servant; but as you both speak of me as you do, I hope you won't be offended when I say outright that I don't like that Spanish chap at all.
gpt
Well, I don't know that I particularly like him, said the doctor;
human
Yes, gentlemen, that's right enough, but I wouldn't trust him a bit. The doctor will say that it is British prejudice. Perhaps it is; but here's my crew; there isn't a man among them as I'd say was perfect, but same time I'd lie down and go to sleep quite comfortable and feeling safe, if I knew any one of them was on the watch; and it did me good when I heerd you say, sir, that you wouldn't have any of the mongrel crew. If it had been the other way on, and you'd said you were going to take Mr Rodd and the young French gentleman and trust yourselves up the country in their boat, I'll tell you outright, sir, I should have struck against it, and if you'd held out and rode the high horse as master, why, there'd have been a mutiny. The men would have took my side, and we wouldn't have let you go.
gpt
And quite right too, Chubb, said the doctor, clapping him on the shoulder.
human
It would have been a good proof that I had done wisely in making you my friend. What do you say, Count?
gpt
Quite right, was the reply.
human
Well, captain, continued the Count,
gpt
I don't see that the party can come to much harm with nine of your stout men to act as bodyguard, if this Spanish captain is used as a guide.
human
No, sir, I don't see as they can; and as the doctor's come out on purpose to collect all kinds of curious things and see some of the wonders of the world, I suppose it is right that he should make use of a chance like this. But I wouldn't trust that man, gentlemen, farther than I could see him, and that's what, with your leave, I am going to say to my lads. I am just going to tell 'em that they have got to bring the three gentlemen back safe and sound, even if it means that some of them is going to lose the number of their mess, and that means this too, that if Mr Spanish skipper don't play his game fair--well then--
gpt
Well, captain, put in Rodd, who felt rather amused at what he called the fuss the skipper was making,
human
Because I didn't think it was needed, my lad, was the reply.
gpt
What I meant was, that if the doctor here didn't think it was his duty to give that yellow chap a very strong dose, one of my lads would.