human
Maybe you think I'm going to give these fellows a demonstration of insubordination the very first clip. Not on your life. Fire away. You have the deck.
gpt
Well, I've got my cottage up there in New London--a good one too, if I can judge by all the hot air that has escaped concerning it. Jerome and Mammy are packed off to open it up and make it habitable against our arrival, and everything's all skee and shipshape so far as THAT part of the plan is blocked out. The ship's in commission but now comes the question of her personnel. You, Harold, and your wife have been good enough to act as second and third in command but we must have junior officers. Thus far the detail foots up only five; just a trifle shy on numbers, and I want it to number, let me see, at least eleven,
human
But, Mr. Stewart. I'm afraid I've got to beat it for home, sir.
gpt
Where is home?
human
Up the Hudson, sir.
gpt
That's all right. And yours?
human
Vermont, sir.
gpt
And yours?
human
Near Philadelphia, sir,
gpt
All within twelve hours of New London, aren't they?
human
Yes sir.
gpt
Very well; that settles it. You give us ten days at least, and we'll do the Regatta at New London and any other old thing worth doing. Will you wire your people that you're going with us? 'Orders from your superior officer.' Who knows but you may all hit my ship and in that case you may as well fall in at once.
human
Well you better believe there'll be no kick--I beg your pardon sir--I mean, I'll be delighted,
gpt
That Western Union wire is going to fuse, sir,
human
I said last time I was up at New London that I'd be singed and sizzled if I ever went again, sir, and that just goes to show 'what fools we mortals be',
gpt
Orders received and promptly obeyed. So far so good, was the hearty response.
human
Now to the next. Mrs. Howland, what about you and your plans! We've got this little girl in tow all tight and fast, but you haven't put out a signal.
gpt
It all sounds most enticing, but do you know I have another girl to think about? She is up at Smith College and will graduate in one week. I must be there for THAT if I never do another thing. It is an event in her life and mine.
human
Hum; yes; I see; of course. We've got to get around that, haven't we? And I dare say YOU two think you've got to be on deck also,
gpt
Are you going to jump ship too, little captain?
human
Oh please don't. We need you so much,
gpt
I'd like to see Gail graduate, but oh, I do want to go to New London just dreadfully,
human
You would better go, dear, said Mrs. Howland, deciding the question for her.
gpt
You would have but three days at Northampton and they would hardly mean as much to you as the same number at New London. Constance, Snap and I will go up, and then perhaps we will come on to New London. I must first learn Gail's plans.
human
You will ALL come up. Every last one of you, Gail too; and if Gail bears even a passing resemblance to the rest of her family she isn't going to disgrace it.
gpt
She's perfectly lovely, Mr. Stewart,
human
Your word goes, captain, answered Mr. Stewart, crossing the room to where the girls sat upon the couch.
gpt
Gangway, please, he said, motioning them apart and seating himself between them.
human
My, but these are pretty snug quarters,