human
Did Mr Webster tell you, she asked in slow, formal speech,
gpt
He did suggest that I might hope for a berth in the cook's galley.
human
I am--rather, the ship is--short-handed, and I wish you to take your turn in the officers' watch.
gpt
But, Miss--
human
You can call me madam,
gpt
I am obliged for your confidence in me; but I am not competent to fill a responsible place.
human
You showed yourself last night equal to an emergency,
gpt
Anyone could have done as well. But, madam, even if I were competent, I am not sure I could give my services unless I were satisfied as to the nature of the enterprise upon which this warship is embarked.
human
I am not at liberty to satisfy your curiosity.
gpt
Pardon me, he continued quietly, though his cheeks flushed,
human
I do not wish to pry into your secrets, but it is impossible for me to act in this matter blindfold, especially as I am not here of my own free will.
gpt
Then you refuse to help me?
human
I would help you willingly, he replied eagerly,
gpt
I will give you no assurance whatever. Do you, or do you not, accept my offer?
human
No, madam, I cannot.
gpt
Then go back to your cabin; I will take the watch myself.
human
Well, shipmate, said Webster, coming out of the chart house,
gpt
No, was the gloomy response;
human
I could not accept.
gpt
You swab! You mean to tell me you've declined to help the Commodore?
human
I presume you refer to the young lady?
gpt
Presume be damned. Have you no eyes, man, no gallantry; can you stand by and see a girl like that eat her heart out with sorrow and anxiety? Not that I care a brass button whether you help or not, for double work doesn't hurt me; but just think what she'll be like after a fortnight in this crazy roundabout.
human
You forget I know nothing about the lady, nor this ship, nor its mission.
gpt
And what's that got to do with your keeping an eye on the binnacle, or a cheerful face that will do something to keep her spirits up? As for the matter of that, I know precious little about the object of this voyage, but it's enough for me to know that she wants my help, and that Captain Pardoe is in command.
human
It is not enough for me. My knowledge of Captain Pardoe does not inspire me with much confidence in his designs, and you forget the circumstances under which I was trapped.
gpt
Well, well, you're just like the rest. You landsmen don't mind what you do ashore, but no sooner do you come aboard than you're as nice with your conscience as a lady's-maid with her mistress's borrowed gown. I warrant you'd not trouble your head about the policy of a merchant's business if you entered his service, not though he was selling bad pork to sailors or robbing the widows.
human
You're going rather wide of the mark, Mr Webster,
gpt
There, now, you've taken offence, and that's what makes me sad to think of you tossing like a log in your cabin--like that cold-blooded creature of a Commins who's drinking champagne in his bunk, the swab.
human
Mr Webster!
gpt
Yes, sir!
human
Take the remainder of my watch, please, and keep a sharp look-out on the starboard quarter.