human
I am very glad to see the ship again,
gpt
I supposed she would get in before us, we were detained so long by the wreck,
human
Probably she stood off and on during the night, seeking for us, added Paul, as he again looked through the spy-glass at the ship.
gpt
She seems to be sound in all her upper works, so far as I can see.
human
I dare say the ship would be safe enough as long as Mr. Lowington and Mr. Fluxion are on board of her.
gpt
Yes, sir; I didn't suppose any harm had come to her; but Mr. Lowington will naturally be very anxious about us. He has made us out by this time, and is satisfied that we are still on the top of the water. There are the steeples of a town, said Paul, pointing to the Walcheren shore.
human
That must be Middleburg.
gpt
This island was inundated in 1808, continued Mr. Stoute, after the pilot had assured him that the steeples seen in the interior of the island were those of Middleburg.
human
Though the sea is as diligently watched as the advance-guard of an invading army, the great dike of West Kappel broke through, and a large part of the island was under water. Middleburg has its own dikes and ditches, the former constituting the wall of the town, upon the top of which there is a public promenade. This dike or mound kept the water out of the city after the sea-dike had given way. The inundation rose as high as the roofs of the houses in the town, but was fortunately kept at bay by the strength of the walls.
gpt
Were you ever in Holland, Mr. Stoute?
human
Never, laughed the professor;
gpt
I haven't had time to look up these matters yet. I have given considerable extra time to my French. As soon as we are moored, I suppose Mr. Mapps will give us his lecture on the country; and I intend to make that the basis of my reading.
human
Then I will not say anything more about the dikes, laughed Mr. Stoute.
gpt
You can do the matter up more systematically by your intended course.
human
I am very glad to get all I can without the trouble of hunting it up, replied Paul, as he glanced again at the Young America.
gpt
I may have more time than I want to study up these subjects.
human
Why so?
gpt
I suppose I am to be court-martialed for disobedience as soon as Mr. Lowington arrives, replied Paul, fixing his eyes upon the deck.
human
Mr. Hamblin has not spoken to me since I left the class yesterday afternoon.
gpt
It is not proper for me to say anything about that to you, Captain Kendall,
human
I feel that I have tried to do my duty; and, whatever happens to me, I shall endeavor to be satisfied.