human
Ah, Dale, he said feebly,
gpt
I wanted to see you. It is so hard to lie here without being able to help, and I sent Lena to get news. Tell us the whole truth. Don't keep anything back.
human
Then there is hope?
gpt
Certainly, I think so, I replied.
human
They are mastering the fire, and it cannot burst out afresh, for the cargo not burned will be drenched with water.
gpt
But it may have worked its way through the ship's side, he said, with a shake of his head. Then, suddenly--
human
Look here, I want you, if I break down altogether, and my sister here is left alone, to take my place, and be as it were her brother. We have both liked you from the first day we met. Will you promise this?
gpt
I will when it becomes necessary, I said quietly;
human
Oh, come, I cried,
gpt
That's what I tell him, said Miss Denning eagerly,
human
And he doesn't know so well as I do.
gpt
Had your breakfast, Dale, my lad? cried Mr Brymer cheerily.
human
Good-morning, Miss Denning. Well, Mr Denning, we're winning the battle.
gpt
Then you will save the ship?
human
Oh yes, I think so now, said Mr Brymer quietly.
gpt
Miss Denning, it is almost an insult to ask you, but if you could find time to help us a little!
human
Yes, she said eagerly.
gpt
What can I do?
human
I would not ask you, but we are all forced to go on pumping to extinguish the fire, and to a man we are getting exhausted.
gpt
And you want food--breakfast?
human
That's it, my dear young lady; and if you could collect a few scraps together for us--
gpt
It is all ready in the cabin next to the captain's.
human
Hah! I might have known, cried the mate, taking Miss Denning's hand to raise it to his lips.
gpt
God bless you for all you have done for us, Miss Denning. If my little wife at home could only know everything, she would be down on her knees praying for your safety. Look here, Mr Denning, don't you be down-hearted. I can read you like a book, better than the doctor. Half your complaint is worry about your sister here.
human
Well, said Mr Denning with a faint smile,
gpt
Why, then, you would be honest, that's all. Now don't you fidget about her, for there are on board this ship six men--I was going to say and a boy, but I can't, for that boy counts as a man in the spirit to do all he can, so I shall say seven good men and true--who will do everything they can to protect as sweet a young English lady as ever stepped. There isn't one of us, from grim-looking Neb Dumlow or brown Bob Hampton up to the doctor, who wouldn't cheerfully give his life to save her from harm.
human
Yes, yes, cried Mr Denning, with the weak tears in his eyes,
gpt
I know.
human
And I too, said Miss Denning, in a choking voice,
gpt
You don't? cried Mr Brymer;