human
That will do. In oars!
gpt
How can you be such a coward?
human
No coward, sir, replied the mate.
gpt
I am ready to risk my life in trying, as is my duty, to save those two passengers from harm, but it must be done with guile. It is madness for unarmed men to try and climb up that ship just to be thrown back into the sea.
human
Then you will not row right away?
gpt
And leave the ship in the hands of that scoundrel? Is it likely?
human
I beg your pardon, Brymer, whispered Mr Frewen,
gpt
I did not know what I was saying. I was half mad.
human
My dear fellow, I know, was the mate's reply in the same tone.
gpt
I'm not going to give up, nor yet despair. There's always a chance for us. That scoundrel may come to his end from a quarrel with one of his men; a ship may heave in sight; or we may board and surprise them, and if we do, may I be forgiven, but I'll crush the life out of that wretch as I would destroy a tiger. Now just leave me to do my duty, and do yours.
human
What can I do? replied Mr Frewen.
gpt
You do not want me to row away?
human
No; but I do wish you to attend to our wounded.
gpt
Ah! I had forgotten that, said Mr Frewen, hastily bestirring himself.
human
Here, some one cried out when one of those shots was fired, and again I heard an exclamation just now.
gpt
It was Walters who was hit first,
human
Where is he? Somewhere forward?
gpt
No; here,
human
Has any one matches? It is impossible to see,
gpt
He is hit in the chest, sir,
human
How do you know? cried Mr Frewen.
gpt
Is this your hand, my lad? What are you doing?
human
Holding my neckerchief against his side to stop the bleeding,
gpt
Hah!