human
Why didn't you sink her? said Commins softly, coming to the side of Captain Pardoe, who stood with a dull flush in his face, fixedly regarding the labouring sloop.
gpt
You are fighting for the National Government. Why didn't you sink her?
human
What a devil you are, Commins!
gpt
Am I really? remarked Commins imperturbably;
human
Court-martial me for smashing an enemy's ship? You're a fool, Commins!
gpt
Pardon me, but you have not smashed the enemy. There he goes leisurely on his way back to port after you had him in your power, and if either of us is to be called a fool I am inclined to think you are entitled to that honour. Take my advice: go back and sink that ship.
human
Do you mean that?
gpt
Certainly, in your own interests. The Brazilian Admiral would be the last man to suppose you had let the enemy escape from motives of humanity. And, then, you saved the life of that fiend, Juarez.
human
Juarez is my prisoner.
gpt
Yes, truly; but, observe how absurd your case would be when you say to the Admiral: `I let the warship escape, but I have brought you her Captain, who would have been assassinated by his own crew.'
human
I see you have already placed me on my trial, said Pardoe dryly.
gpt
I presume you wish me to murder Juarez as well as to sink the ship?
human
You have a brutal way with you, Pardoe, as befits, no doubt, a brave sailor; but it jars. As for Juarez, it may give our friends some pleasure to dispose of him at Rio, though his presence on board will cause me a feeling of nausea; but it is necessary that you should do your work thoroughly, and for your safety, and the success of our mission, you must destroy that ship.
gpt
I must!
human
Well, there is no compulsion; but that is my opinion, and the opinion of Miss Laura de Anstrade.
gpt
You lie!
human
I will bring her here, and you shall receive the orders from her own lips,