human
What's the matter, reefer?
gpt
Matter, you insolent blackguard! cried the midshipman.
human
If I were not on duty, and too much of a gentleman to soil my hands with a schooner's loblolly boy, I would give you a sound thrashing with my belt.
gpt
Would you? said Rodd coolly.
human
That's the worst of you reefers. You are nearly all of you like that when you come ashore at Plymouth. It's your uniform and the wearing of a skewer that makes you all so cocky. Now, do you know you have said what a fellow just your age once said to me at Saltash--but he didn't. He had an accident, and then we shook hands, and I took him home to my uncle's and helped him to bathe his face. It was such a hot day that his nose bled a good deal. But we stopped it. Nice fellow he was too, afterwards. So I dare say you'd be if I had taken you in tow a bit.
gpt
I understand you, sir, panted the middy;
human
Pooh! Yes you will, said Rodd, with a mocking laugh.
gpt
I wish you were going to stop on board. We have got a spare cot here. Get your old man to give you leave when your lieutenant has done smelling in all the lockers below. You come while the two vessels are in company, and I'll teach you how to use the gloves.
human
Oh, if I wasn't on duty! panted the middy furiously.
gpt
I haven't got a card with me, but give me yours. We may meet again.
human
Hope we shall, I'm sure, said Rodd.
gpt
I say, reefer, don't be so jolly disappointed because you won't have the price of half a nigger for prize-money.
human
Pah!