human
Now, them fellers saved from the _Gilbert Gaunt_ didn't go through nothin' like that, it stands to reason. Cap'n Am'zon----
gpt
I declare! I'd love to see this wonderful brother of his. He must have Baron Munchausen lashed to the post,
human
Never heard tell of that Munchausen feller, Cap'n Joab reflected.
gpt
Reckon he didn't sail from any of the Cape ports. But you let Abe tell it, Cap'n Am'zon Silt is the greatest navigator an' has the rip-snortin'est adventoors of airy deep-bottom sailor that ever chawed salt hoss.
human
Did you ever see him?
gpt
See who?
human
Cap'n Amazon?
gpt
No. I didn't never see him. But I've heard Cap'n Abe talk about him--standin' off an' on as ye might say--for twenty year and more.
human
Odd you never met him, isn't it?
gpt
No. I never happened on Cap'n Am'zon when I was sea-farin'. And he ain't never been to Cardhaven to my knowledge.
human
Never been here? murmured Lawford Tapp more than a little surprised.
gpt
Wasn't he born and brought up here?
human
No. Neither was Cap'n Abe. The Silts flourish, as ye might say--or, useter 'fore the fam'ly sort o' petered out--down New Bedford way. Cap'n Abe come here twenty-odd year back and opened this store. He's as salt as though he'd been a haddocker since he was weaned. But he's always stuck mighty close inshore. Nobody ever seen him in a boat--'ceptin' out in a dory fishin' for tomcod in the bay, and on a mighty ca'm day at that.
gpt
How does it come that he is called captain, then?
human
It's easy 'nough to pick up skipper's title longshore. 'Most ev'ry man owns some kind of a boat; and o' course a man's cap'n of his own craft--or 'doughter be. But I reckon Abe Silt aimed his title honest 'nough.
gpt
How?