human
Suppose we do not recover the boat, how are we to visit the wreck?
gpt
We must build a smaller raft out of the large one, which we can much more easily manage; and should the weather continue calm, as there appears to be no strong current likely to drive us away, we may, I think, without much risk easily make the trip there and back,
human
But how are we to carry a cargo?
gpt
We must form another raft on board, and the materials will serve for building our hut,
human
Then you think we shall have to remain some time on the island?
gpt
Of course; it may be for months or years, or we may get off in a few days or weeks. Had we a good carpenter among us, we might have built a vessel from the wreck, should she hold together long enough for us to bring a good portion of her planking and timber ashore; but I am very certain that none of us are capable of that, although we have a stock of carpenter's tools.
human
There is nothing like trying, said Desmond.
gpt
I have seen ships being built; and if we can obtain timber, we might manage in time to put one together large enough to carry us at once to Guam or to the Sandwich Islands.
human
We will hear what the doctor says. What do you think about it, Bird?
gpt
Well, sir, I have helped to rig many a craft, but cannot say that I ever worked as a shipwright, though I am ready to try my hand at that or anything else, and `where there's a will there's a way.'
human
What do you say, Pat?
gpt
As to that, Mr Rogers, when a man has been a Prime Minister, he ought to think himself fit for anything; and sooner than live on a dissolute island all me life, I'd undertake to build a ninety-gun ship, if I had the materials.
human
Well, if we find we can get timber enough from the wreck, I don't see why we should not make the attempt,
gpt
I'll undertake that we can build a vessel of ten or fifteen tons, which will carry us to the Sandwich Islands, observed Desmond, confidently.
human
I have got the idea in my head, though I cannot promise that she will be much of a clipper, but she shall keep afloat, beat to windward, and stand a pretty heavy sea.
gpt
Arrah! here she is, all right, if not all tight,