human
I am no seaman, madam, he said,
gpt
Mr Webster, will you tell Mr Hume in what way he may best assist us?
human
Ay, ay, madam.
gpt
Then I leave the ship in your hands, gentlemen, until Captain Pardoe has rested.
human
So, after all, you've taken up arms against your lawful sovereign, and all for the smile of a woman, with not so much to show as the Queen's shilling. Shake, my son!
gpt
Don't talk rot, and tell me what I'm to do.
human
Is that the way to address your superior officer? Harkee, sir, for less than that I've clapped a man in irons. But I forgive you. Put your eye to the business end of this glass and tell me what craft is steaming up on the weather bows. My eyes are dim for the want of sleep.
gpt
It's a Cape mail-boat, he said;
human
I can make that out from her red funnels and grey hull.
gpt
Good. Now, would you know a warship if she showed at that distance?
human
Possibly, from her unusual breadth of beam--not to speak of her guns.
gpt
Well, my lad, keep a keen lookout, for there'll be a lookout kept for us off the Isle of Wight, and be most particular in noting small craft. Set a thief to catch a thief, and as likely as not they'll send a `catcher' out from Portsmouth, and a cruiser from Plymouth. If you see anything strange in the movements of a steamer, blow down this pipe, and I'll be up in a brace of shakes. I must have a wink before to-night;