human
In Heaven's name, where are the rest?
gpt
Mr Tompion sent me back, sir, with Mr Linton, who is badly hurt, while he and Mr Duff stopped to chase a pirate craft which had been dodging us,
human
Poor Linton wounded, and by such villains, muttered Saltwell, as his brother-officer was lifted carefully on deck.
gpt
How does he seem, Viall?
human
We shall see better when we get him below, returned the surgeon.
gpt
He is alive, and that is all I can say.
human
This is a bad business, indeed, for the captain, said Saltwell to Colonel Gauntlett, as they resumed their walk on the poop, while the ship remained hove to, waiting for the arrival of the other boats;
gpt
I fear the pirate will murder him, and those with him, when he finds out who he is.
human
What, think you he will venture to murder a British officer, when he knows that his strong-hold is discovered, and that his death would certainly be avenged? exclaimed the colonel.
gpt
Poor fellow! and my little niece--if the poor girl ever escapes from that infernal den--I'm afraid she will never recover it.
human
I own, I fear for the worst, said Saltwell, who was weary, and out of spirits.
gpt
Zappa knows well enough that he has deserved a rope, and, from what I hear, he is the sort of character to win it thoroughly; but we must do our best to punish him. As soon as the boats come back, I intend to give Tompion a fresh crew, and to leave him in the cutter, well armed and provisioned, to watch the island, while we go in search of the _Ypsilante_; and, as Captain Vassilato left her under my orders, I shall send her off with a requisition to any of our cruisers she can fall in with, to assemble at an island to the southward of this; and I have not the slightest doubt, that any captain, who happens to be senior officer, when he hears of what has occurred, will take the responsibility of ordering a grand attack on the island. If not, we will, by Heaven, try what our own brave fellows and the crew of the _Ypsilante_ can do to rescue their captain, or avenge their deaths.
human
Bravo, Mr Saltwell, I am rejoiced to hear you say this, exclaimed the colonel, warmly grasping the lieutenant's hand.
gpt
And I and Mitchell will act as volunteers with the marines. I wish we had done this at first. A strong hand and a firm heart, are the best things to trust to. I never liked the plan poor Fleetwood has pursued, from the first. Your plots and your disguises seldom succeed; and they are not fit for Englishmen to engage in--they are contrary to the genius of our country, thank Heaven; but that Greek friend of his over-persuaded him, and, I am afraid, has led him to his destruction.
human
I wish that I could say, sir, that I thought all had gone well, returned Saltwell.
gpt
However, we must now do our best to mend matters. Well, doctor, what report can you make of poor Linton?
human
I have extracted the ball, and he has recovered his senses, answered the surgeon.
gpt
He is in very great danger; but I can give no decided opinion as yet. He has expressed a wish to see you, and has begged me to call you.
human
Poor, poor fellow, I'll go below instantly,