human
Phew! panted Bob Hampton.
gpt
Oh, my lad, my lad, why didn't you whistle a jig out of the window?
human
Why didn't I what?
gpt
Whistle a toon, my lad. That would ha' let 'em know you could hear 'em talking, and they'd ha' gone. Hold me tight, please, for I'm 'bout spent.
human
No, no, Bob, I whispered.
gpt
Don't say that. Rest for a few moments, and then climb back on deck.
human
Rest?
gpt
You couldn't haul me in?
human
No, I said despairingly.
gpt
It is impossible.
human
Impossible it is, he groaned.
gpt
Well, I shall have to face it.
human
What do you mean, man?
gpt
What we've all got to face, doctor. I couldn't swarm up that rope again.
human
Dale, could we get the rope round his waist, and hold him?
gpt
Here! hist! quick!
human
Silence! cried Mr Frewen, sternly.
gpt
What do you say, Hampton?
human
I says as if you takes the line from under my feet for half a moment down I goes, for all the feeling's gone out of my arms. I'm done.
gpt
No, no, I whispered in desperation.
human
Hold on, Bob; we must--we will save you.
gpt
Ay, lad, he said dolefully,
human
I'll hold on as long as I can; but if you two are going to save me, you'll have to be very smart about it, I'm afraid.
gpt
Mr Frewen! Dale!
human
Silence, I say!
gpt
I won't be silent, cried Mr Preddle.
human
Here, Dale, take this; I've pushed it through as far as I can reach. Give it him. Brandy.
gpt
Ah! ejaculated Mr Frewen.
human
Quick.
gpt
Where is it?