human
I ought not to have lain down, he said, in tones full of self-reproach.
gpt
I might have known that the fire would break out again.
human
Why, we couldn't have had a better watch kept, Mr Brymer.
gpt
You are right, my lad, he replied warmly.
human
I ought to have thought of that too. Go and tell Mr and Miss Denning that the danger is at an end.
gpt
Who is that?
human
Dale, Miss Denning. I've come to tell you that the fire is mastered again.
gpt
How long had it been burning when you whistled?
human
Not a minute, said Miss Denning.
gpt
We were watching the setting of one of the stars, when all at once there was a dull report somewhere in the hold, and in an instant there was a flash, and great volumes of fire and smoke began to roll up.
human
But it was only lit-up steam,
gpt
Then there is no more danger?
human
No, I think not--at present.
gpt
Why do you say at present?
human
Don't say anything to frighten her, Dale, said Mr Denning;
gpt
Indeed no, John dear; I am quite calm. Tell us, Alison. It is better to know the worst.
human
I only meant, I said hastily,
gpt
I cried,
human
I don't mean that; because no one could have watched better than you did.
gpt
Starboard watch, ahoy! cried Mr Brymer, cheerily.
human
How are you, Miss Denning?
gpt
Thank you for keeping watch so well. Any idea what time it is?--we hadn't been asleep long, I suppose.
human
It must be close upon morning,
gpt
Morning? Impossible! What do you say, Miss Denning?
human
I think it must be very near day, she replied.
gpt
It is many hours since you left us.
human
And gone like that! cried the mate in astonishment.
gpt
Ahoy there, Mr Frewen, Preddle, he shouted,
human
My watch is not going, replied Mr Frewen;
gpt
Oh no, cried Mr Preddle, in his highly-pitched voice;
human
Almost a pity, isn't it, said the mate, merrily.
gpt
Look yonder-- there--right astern.
human
Yes? said Mr Frewen.
gpt
What is that? The moon about to rise?
human
Say sun, and you will be right, cried Mr Brymer.
gpt
Go and lie down if you like, gentlemen; but look yonder too; there is a fleck of orange high up. For my part, I propose a good breakfast.
human
No, no, you cannot be right, said Mr Frewen, from the main-deck;
gpt
No, not yet,
human
Then I must speak as the medical man, and give my patient orders. You ought both to have some sleep now.
gpt
Wonderful!