human
Hullo here! Anything the matter, Rodd? cried the familiar voice of Dr Robson, as he came quickly forward, followed by the skipper.
gpt
Where is it?
human
Where is it, uncle?
gpt
Yes; that man Cross came running down to us in the cabin to say that they had seen the sea-serpent again.
human
Well, said Uncle Paul,
gpt
he continued, catching his nephew by the arm and taking his hand.
human
Don't stand staring like that. Your hand's all wet, and like ice! Have you been frightened?
gpt
I--don't know, uncle, I suppose so, said the boy slowly and dreamily.
human
I never saw anything like it before, and--and--it came so close to the schooner. I think I thought it was going to make a snatch at me and take me under water. But don't ask me now, please. I don't feel quite right. I suppose I am cowardly; but it made Gregg run away.
gpt
Then why didn't you, said the doctor jocularly,
human
I couldn't, uncle, cried the boy passionately.
gpt
I turned cold all over and couldn't stir.
human
Well, come down below for a bit, continued the doctor.
gpt
Why, Chubb, the boy's had a regular scare.
human
Ah! and no wonder, said the skipper gruffly.
gpt
It scared the men too. They saw it.
human
What, the same thing that you fired at?
gpt
Ah, that I don't know. That was a great long eely thing; but Joe Cross here says this was more like a great turtle, with flippers and a long neck, and a head like a snake.