human
The sail looks very small, she said.
gpt
So I fear, Marianna, it cannot be a ship of war, and no other can afford us assistance.
human
Oh, but it is yet a long way off, signora, urged the Maltese girl.
gpt
When it comes nearer it will appear much bigger, as I have often observed from the windows of your uncle's house in Valetta a little sail no bigger than a pocket-handkerchief, which has grown larger, and larger, and larger, till it has become a mighty ship with a hundred great guns looking out of her sides. Who knows but what this may turn out a big ship sent out by the King of England, with Signor Fleetwood as captain, to look after you? My heart tells me that she is a friend.
human
I fear you are wrong in this case, my good Marianna, she answered.
gpt
You observe that the vessel we see is small, but we can already distinguish three distinct sails, and soon the hull itself will rise out of the water, and then we shall be better able to judge of its proper dimensions. I can already see her without the glass. Tell me if the bulwarks are not in sight.
human
Yes, signora, I can distinguish the dark mark of the body of the vessel, and she seems to come on quickly towards us,