human
No, Ma'am, he said.
gpt
When the vessel struck those on deck had no mind to go below, and those below were hard put to it to get on deck. We all lost everything except what we stood up in. It has been blowin' great guns ever since, and a French gentleman who knows every inch of the coast tells me that the reef may be ungetatable for a fortnight, or even a month, unless there's a change in the weather.
human
When you say you lost everything do you mean that you and some members of the crew lost money as well as clothing?
gpt
No, Ma'am. If any swab has the howdacity to pretend that a sovereign or two has slipped out of his pockets, I won't believe 'im; but it'll be hard to prove the contrary.
human
Are you in any special hurry to return home? Have you another yacht in view?
gpt
Bless your heart, Ma'am! he said huskily,
human
I'll get no more yachts unless I'm a luckier man after turnin' fifty than ever I was afore. The Stella was my last seagoin' job, an' no mistake.
gpt
Then you will not suffer professionally by remaining here?
human
I'll stop as long as you like, Ma'am.
gpt
Very well. I have telegraphed to my London bankers for a supply of money, which should reach me tomorrow. I want you to arrange for salvage operations. Employ a diver, and hire such other assistance as may be necessary. It is important that a jewelcase in one of my trunks should be recovered, if possible, also five thousand pounds in French and English bank-notes which is in a leather wallet locked in a steamer trunk beneath my husband's bed. That trunk also contains a number of important papers. I shall be glad if it is brought to me unopened, no matter what the expense. Meanwhile make out a list of all that is reasonably owing to the men, and tell them I shall arrange at once for their return to Southampton.
human
I've done that already, Ma'am. Mr. Raymond tole me to get busy.
gpt
Ah! That was thoughtful of him. In future, however, take orders from no one but me.
human
Right you are, Ma'am,
gpt
You had something else on the tip of your tongue, Captain, she prompted.
human
Out with it! I have no secrets from this young lady.
gpt
I don't like contradict'ry sailin' orders, Ma'am, an' that's a fact, admitted the skipper.
human
Mr. Raymond axed me not to do a thing, no matter who gev the word, without consultin' him.
gpt
His arm is broken, I believe?
human
Yes, Ma'am; but he's able to get about today.
gpt
That simplifies matters. Kindly send him here.
human
I am not an admirer of Mr. Raymond, said Mrs. Carmac to Yvonne.
gpt
He was a useful sort of person to my husband; but he has a Uriah Heep manner which I dislike intensely. Now I shall get rid of him.
human
Don't make an unnecessary enemy,
gpt
I simply purpose dismissing him on very generous terms.
human
But--have you--forgotten--perhaps you never knew--how wildly you spoke that night in the cabin of the Hirondelle? Mr. Raymond was there too. He may have overheard a good deal.
gpt
Do you think so?
human
There was every opportunity. I saw the man, and he retained his senses, though in great pain.
gpt
Thanks for the warning, Dear. I'll handle him gently.
human
Shall I go?
gpt
I prefer that you should remain.
human
But it might be better if you were to see him alone. He has not met me since we came ashore.
gpt
Well--you may be right. I'll take your advice. Don't leave me too long alone. I mope when you are away.