human
Let it go, men,
gpt
Is Butler forward there?
human
Here he is, sir,
gpt
Step aft, said I. He arrived.
human
Butler, I've been thinking over your scheme. For the last half-hour I've been thinking of nothing else. If you men go away in the boat, will the negro boy Tom be willing to remain with me?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
How do you know.
gpt
I put the question to him and he said he would be willing.
human
Then, I exclaimed,
gpt
I consent. I agree with you that, if you are to leave me, I must be alone until I can get help. I might indeed transship you, feign to the master of the vessel we should speak that you were mutineers--a character you would all have to support--and ask him to give me two or three men in exchange for my five. That I might do; but the business would consist of a lie, and I hate lies. We should have to act a part: the five of you would have to invent a yarn, and carefully stick to it, while you were aboard the vessel that received you.... No! your plan is the most straightforward, and the least troublesome. The risk is mine, and a heavy risk it is--to be left in a big vessel with one hand only, and that hand a boy, and a mad lady below, who will require watching, and who may attempt our lives when she awakes. But I see no other way out of the difficulty.
human
Nor I, sir, he answered.
gpt
We don't like the notion of leaving ye alone; but then, you insist upon carrying this here schooner to England, and to England we don't mean to go,
human
Say no more. We'll hold that matter settled. Only, before you leave, the two Spaniards must have left; otherwise they'll be cutting Tom's and my throat, taking their chance, as I shall have to take my chance, of being fallen in with and succored. The Don doesn't like the notion of losing his schooner; but lose her he must, for he'll never dare to lay claim to her.
gpt
I should think not! said he.
human
Well, sir, then I'll tell my mates it's settled. What about leaving the vessel under this small canvas?
gpt
Oh, I answered,