human
Where's the Captain?
gpt
In his room,
human
What's the matter with him?
gpt
Has he been that way all day?
human
No, he took a dram when the crash came to steady his nerves.
gpt
Well, let him be, said Evan.
human
What chance have we of being picked up here?
gpt
Not very good, said the mate.
human
We're on the flats inside the Hook. Few small vessels come down here, and a big vessel couldn't come to us even if she heard us. I'm afraid it's a case of wait till the fog lifts.
gpt
We can't keep this gang out all night, said Evan.
human
That's flat.
gpt
What do you propose?
human
Somebody must go ashore in a boat to telephone for a tug.
gpt
No easy matter to take a boat ashore in this fog.
human
It can be done. Just before the fog came down on us I marked that Atlantic Highlands was due south of us, and not above a mile distant. The wind has just come in from the east, and she'll hold there a while. By keeping the wind abeam on the port side you'd hit the shore somewhere near the pier.
gpt
Well, I'll try it.
human
No; you're our only qualified seaman. You must stand by the vessel. I'll go.
gpt
How will you get back?
human
I'll borrow or beg a compass ashore. You keep the whistle going, and if the steam gives out, ring your bell.
gpt
I doubt if you'll get the deckhands to bring you back. They'll go quick enough.
human
I'll get boatmen from the shore if they desert.
gpt
Don't tell them below that I've gone ashore unless you have to.