human
Don't you think the young lady had better go below, out of the way of the damp, sir,
gpt
Damp! surely there's none to hurt me, said Ada, looking up somewhat surprised.
human
It is so refreshing.
gpt
No, miss, the cold--the night air may do you harm,
human
I have no fear of either, answered Ada.
gpt
It's quite warm, and I do not even require a cloak.
human
Yes, miss; but you see it's coming on night, and it's a rule that all ladies should go below at night,
gpt
Oh! but I intend to break through the rule, I can assure you. The evening, when the moon is playing on the water, is the most delightful time of the twenty-four hours; and you will not persuade me to forego its pleasures.
human
What is it makes you so anxious for my niece to go below, Mr Bowse? he asked.
gpt
If you have any particular reason, pray mention it, and I am sure she will be most ready to obey your wishes.
human
Why, sir, said Bowse, drawing the colonel, who had risen, a little forward, and whispering so as not, he thought, to be heard by Ada;
gpt
It was for that reason you were loading your guns, and getting up your arms? exclaimed the colonel, in a less cautious voice than that in which the kind master had spoken.
human
Very right and proper. I'm glad to see precautions taken. We'll fight the rascals with pleasure.
gpt
What is the matter?--Is there any danger? she exclaimed, in a pleading tone.
human
If there is--oh! let me share it with you. Do not send me down into the cabin.
gpt
Oh! nonsense, girl--suppose there was any danger, what object could there be in your staying on deck? answered the colonel.
human
You couldn't save me from being hurt, missie, and I don't think you would manage to hurt any of the enemy, if there should prove to be one in the case, after all, which is in no way certain yet.