human
Did you hear me, captain? said Rodd eagerly.
gpt
Are you sure you have got the sail over the holes?
human
No, granted the skipper.
gpt
Are you?
human
No; but I thought--
gpt
Yes, my lad; so did I. You thought we ought to get the sail in the right place.
human
Yes,
gpt
Well, then, now, my lad, I should be much obliged to you if you'd tell me which is exactly the right place.
human
Thank you, my lad, said the skipper dryly.
gpt
I am much obliged. But all right, Mr Rodd; you can't tell, and I can't tell. We know that the ball that came from the fort must have gone downwards a bit, so that it went out from lower than where it went in; but there's no knowing whether she was hit from starboard or from larboard, and that's where I'm bothered. But never say die. I think we will make this bit of canvas fast now, for I'm pretty sure of one thing; it will be a plaister for one hole if it isn't for the other.
human
But look here, captain,
gpt
What now?
human
Won't the water run under the canvas just the same as it did before?
gpt
No, my lad, it won't; and I'll tell you the reason why when we have done. Of course you know I am not going to stop all the water from coming in below, but if I can get it checked a bit so that they can keep it down easy with one man at the pump instead of two, she won't go to the bottom just yet, and they will have time enough to get into port to set the carpenter at work.
human
Then you won't let our carpenter try to stop the holes?
gpt
No, my lad. You see, he never learned to be a fish, so that he could work under water; and though he's a bit of a crab in his way, I don't think he could manage it for all that. Now I'm ready to go on. Come, my lads, put your backs into it and haul them sheets tight. Here, master, let two of your men go to each corner and help my lads. All together as hard as they can!
human
That's right! Haul away, my lads! shouted the skipper.
gpt
That new canvas won't give. Harder! Harder! Now then, one more--all you know!--Make fast!
human
Excellent! Superb! cried the Count, as the men ceased from making fast the ropes, which were brought over the bulwarks and passed round the belaying pins.
gpt
Do you think that will stop the leak?
human
Maybe yes, sir; maybe no. If it don't do it we will put another plaister on, and another, and another. You have got plenty of spare sails and rope, and when we have used all yours I dare say we can find some more in the schooner. Now then, set your men going at that pump, and rig up another as quick as you can.