human
I say, uncle, he said,
gpt
Well, sir, he said,
human
So I see, grumbled Uncle Paul;
gpt
Ah, that remains to be seen, sir. There's nothing like being prepared.
human
Better let the men rest after all they have done to-day. What with their deck cleaning and the work they have done for me, they don't want setting to play at soldiers.
gpt
Playing at soldiers, eh, sir? I call it playing at sailors. No use to lock the stable-door after the steed's stolen. My lads may never be called upon to fight, but if by bad luck we are, I should like them to be able to use their fighting tools like men.
human
Oh, it isn't likely, said Uncle Paul,
gpt
Most unlikely things are those that happen first,
human
But you worry the men with too much work, and I want them to be fresh and ready for me to-morrow morning. I don't want the poor fellows to be discontented.
gpt
Discontented, sir! cried the skipper hotly.
human
I should like to see them look discontented! But not they! They like it. Puts them in mind of their old fighting days. Now you shall see them go through their drill with the boarding pikes, and see how smart I have made them. I say they like it, sir; and I know.
gpt
Then I suppose, said Uncle Paul,
human
Captain Chubb thinks we may meet with the privateer,
gpt
Don't you make rude remarks, Rodney! cried Uncle Paul angrily.
human
Well, there, captain, I suppose you will have your own way, but it seems to me great waste of time.
gpt
Oh no, sir, said the skipper good-humouredly.
human
I suppose you mean to run in and up some of those rivers we shall pass by and by?
gpt
Most certainly,
human
Well, and what then, sir? You are going right out of civilisation there, and among black tribes and warlike people who are ready for anything, from attacking another tribe and bringing the prisoners down the river to sell for slaves, up to taking a fancy to any smart craft they can master, and then stripping her and burning her to the water's edge.
gpt
And what becomes of the crews?
human
Well, Mr Rodd, that's rather a hard question to answer. If ever you go to Liverpool or Bristol and you get asking questions amongst the merchants there, you will find they have got some queer tales to tell. Sorry you don't like my plans, Dr Robson, but even if we never get into trouble we shall be none the worse for being prepared.
gpt
Oh, I am not going to complain, Captain Chubb. Drill away as much as you like. You say the men like it, and it satisfies you. Then my boy Rodd, here, nothing will please him better than letting him have a canister of gunpowder to play with and pop off that gun. So I am in a minority, and I will give in. There, you'd better take Rodd and drill him too.
human
I'll take you at your word, sir, said Captain Chubb, laughing, and making Rodd start with eagerness.
gpt
Fall in, my lads. Pikes.