human
But it is no use to wait. We must go. Unless we can get away before the steamboat comes, we will have to skulk off and try another plan. Come on; I’ll ask.
gpt
Are you the captain of that ship?
human
It ain’t a ship, sonny, and I ain’t the cap’n by a long chalk. Why?
gpt
I wanted to know when you expect to sail.
human
Sail! we are just in; cargo all in the hold, said the sailor good-naturedly, relighting his pipe, and looking curiously at the two boys.
gpt
What d’ye want to know for? Don’t want to ship, do you?
human
Not exactly; we want to go as passengers on a sea-voyage.
gpt
Where do you want to go?
human
Oh, nowhere in particular.
gpt
I never sailed to that port,
human
Is there any vessel going to sail from here to-day?
gpt
Well, now, there isn’t a very big fleet here. If any of ’em was going to start soon, you’d be likely to see some stirring about. There’s a little smack over the other side, just goin’ out; but that ain’t your style, I reckon.
human
Let’s go over there, Ben,