human
Gentlemen, he said,
gpt
I am also glad to see two intelligent young gentlemen like Mr. Folsom and Mr. Barnaby.
human
You've forgotten me, sir, said Stump.
gpt
I'm only an odd boy, but----
human
I'm a man, he continued,
gpt
But, sir, answered the professor,
human
Possibly, but this creature had done you no harm. I saw you all take refuge outside, and I hesitated a long while what to do with you. I knew nothing of you. What were you to me? Why should I extend my hospitality to you? All that was necessary to break off your connection, was to give a signal to my engineers, and the _Searcher_, which is the name of my vessel, would have sunk to the bottom of the ocean. I had the right to do it.
gpt
It seems to me that we are to be prisoners?
human
Certainly.
gpt
But this is an outrage! exclaimed Mont.
human
I demand to be put on shore at the nearest port, or given up to the nearest ship we meet.
gpt
You will none of you ever see the earth again, or set foot upon it,
human
This floating prison is, then, our tomb--our coffin, in which we must live and die?
gpt
Call it what you will, replied the captain.
human
You have obtained the secret of my existence. Do you think I could ever allow you to revisit the world, to let it be known through every newspaper how I pass my life?
gpt
How are we to address you, sir?
human
My name is Vindex. By my men I am called the Wizard of the Sea.
gpt
Very well, Captain Vindex of the _Searcher_, said Mont,
human
I like you, boy, for your honesty, said the Wizard of the Sea,
gpt
To death? You dare not!
human
Dare not! he said.
gpt
Foolish lad, there are no laws for me. I am the sole master here. My black slaves only live to do my bidding. What is your life or death to me? I have no more to say at present. Follow this negro into another cabin, where a repast awaits you.