human
Got around, eh? he said.
gpt
Good for you. I thought you would be sick for the rest of the trip after such an adventure.
human
I am pretty tough,
gpt
You look a bit like a sailor.
human
Oh, I know a thing or two about the water, replied Mont modestly.
gpt
But tell me, he went on,
human
Oh, he's a caution, and so is Slog, the first mate, laughed the cook.
gpt
The captain is the toughest man this line of ships ever had.
human
Humph! That's not encouraging, mused our hero.
gpt
Why do the owners keep him?
human
Because he's clever. He may be out in all weather, but he's never lost a ship.
gpt
This seems like an old tub,
human
Yes, she isn't worth much. She pitches and tosses in a gale awful. It's the oldest ship the firm's got.
gpt
Is it insured?
human
Yes. I know the insurance is very heavy, and it wouldn't be a bad job for the owners if she went down,
gpt
Bad job for us, though, remarked Mont.
human
I don't want to be drowned.
gpt
Have you had any breakfast?
human
Not a bit.
gpt
I don't expect the regular hands will give you a chance of getting much. There's Sam Holly and Jerry Dabble. One's a bully and the other's a sneak.
human
I haven't seen them yet.
gpt
Fight shy of both of them. They're no good. They'll make you and your chums do all the work, now you've come on board.
human
I'll bet a dollar they won't get a stroke of work out of me,
gpt
You will?
human
Yes.
gpt
Well, you're a plucky lad, exclaimed the cook admiringly,
human
Just a little bit,
gpt
The captain favors Jerry Dabble, and listens to all he says. He's a regular sneak. You look out for him.
human
I will.
gpt
Will you have a bit of breakfast along with me? I can give you a nice bit I've cut off the skipper's ham and a couple of eggs.
human
I'm with you, said Mont readily,