human
What are you thinking about, sir?
gpt
About what you said, uncle,
human
I didn't say anything, sir. I was listening to you.
gpt
Yes, you did, Uncle Paul, said the boy sternly.
human
You said that it would be murder to leave a man here without a boat.
gpt
Oh, of course. So I did. And so it would be, sir. But now look here, Rodd. I haven't known you, sir, since you were little more than a baby without being able to read some of the changes which come over your face. What were you thinking about that boat?
human
I was thinking, uncle, suppose he had one.
gpt
But he hadn't one. Look here, sir; you are thinking something, and suspecting something.
human
Yes, uncle, I am; but I don't know what.
gpt
I suppose that's because you were prejudiced against the Spaniard by what Chubb said.
human
I suppose so, uncle. You know how he said he wouldn't trust that man a bit?
gpt
Yes, yes.
human
Well, I always felt that I couldn't trust him a bit.
gpt
Prejudice, boy--prejudice.
human
I dare say it was, uncle; and when I found how he showed us everything we wanted I tried to believe in him; but my head felt as if it wouldn't go.
gpt
He hadn't got a boat; he hadn't got a boat,
human
No, uncle; but suppose he had got a canoe?
gpt
That's it, cried Morny excitedly.
human
You are right, Rodd. You think those were his two men?
gpt
Yes, said Rodd.
human
Two black fellows out of his schooner.
gpt
And--and-- panted Morny, as the doctor's jaw fell and he stood staring at the two lads, utterly speechless--
human
Don't--don't say it! he cried.--
gpt
While he has gone back for who knows what? Oh, father, father, why did I come away?
human
Stop, boys, stop! cried Uncle Paul; and to the surprise of both he plumped himself down upon the sand, drawing up his knees, planting his elbows upon them, and resting his burning head upon his hands.
gpt
Wait a bit, he said.
human
I want to think; I want to think; I want to think. Ah-h-h! he groaned, at last.
gpt
Who could have imagined it? Who could have thought it? A trick--a ruse!