human
What are we doing here, Bill?
gpt
We are waiting for the passengers. They are all coming on board here. I expect that big lugger you see, running out direct for us, 'as got them on board.
human
I wonder they didn't come on board when we started, Reuben said.
gpt
I should think it would have been pleasanter than coming all the way down to Dover by coach.
human
So I should think, my lad; but you see, it ain't every time as a ship has the luck we've had. It's a long job coming down to the Downs, if the wind don't serve. We might have been beating about there, at the mouth of the Thames, for a week. So you see, most of these 'longshore chaps like to send their traps on board while the vessel's in the docks, and then to come down here and stop till she comes round.