human
I am thankful you have fallen in with us, gentlemen, he said, in good English,
gpt
Of us! Is there any one besides yourself on board?
human
Yes, I have my wife with me--we were passengers on board; when the junk was blown off the coast and lost her masts, the crew deserted in the boat, leaving us to our fate.
gpt
Your wife! Where is she?
human
She is below, sir, was the answer;
gpt
What are you?--an Englishman?
human
Well, as to that, I am more of an American, though I have been out in these seas so long that I cannot say I belong to any nation. Still, I have not forgotten my native tongue. I should be grateful if you would take us in tow, or supply me with spars and canvas, so that I might find my way back.
gpt
That is more than you will be able to do, I suspect, with your craft knocked about as she is, and probably leaking not a little, even with the assistance of your wife, answered Jack.
human
As for taking you in tow, that is out of the question--we should drag the bows out of her; but if you will bring your wife and any property you possess on board, I can answer for it that the captain will give you a passage to Hong-kong or any other place at which we may touch where you desire to leave the ship. You are a seaman, I presume, from your undertaking to sail back the junk. What is your name, may I ask?
gpt
Jonathan Jull, at your service.
human
That name has a Yankee smack about it, certainly, observed Jack.
gpt
Well, Mr Jull, I'll overhaul the craft, and report her condition to the captain. He may possibly think fit to take her in tow, but I can make no promises on the subject. In the mean time prepare your wife for accompanying you on board.