human
I acknowledge the difficulties, said Captain Mangles, at length.
gpt
Well, in fifteen days, my lord, you can send your orders to the Duncan.
human
I may add, resumed Ayrton,
gpt
Wait! cried the captain.
human
Can we not find a ford?
gpt
I think not, replied Ayrton.
human
This morning I searched in vain for a practicable one. It is unusual to find a river so much swollen at this season; it is a fatality against which I am powerless.
gpt
This Snowy River is broad, then?
human
Broad and deep, madam, answered Ayrton;
gpt
Well, then, let us build a boat! cried Robert, who was never at fault for a plan.
human
We can cut down a tree, hollow it out, embark, and the thing is done.
gpt
Good for the son of Captain Grant!
human
The boy is right, continued Captain Mangles.
gpt
We shall be forced to this. I therefore think it useless to waste our time in further discussions.
human
What do you think, Ayrton?
gpt
I think, my lord, that if no assistance comes, in a month we shall still be detained on the banks of the Snowy.
human
But have you a better plan?
gpt
Yes; let the Duncan leave Melbourne, and sail to the eastern coast.
human
How can her presence in the bay assist us to arrive there?
gpt
I do not wish to obtrude my opinion. What I do is for the interest of all, and I am disposed to start as soon as your lordship gives the signal for departure.
human
That is no answer, Ayrton, continued Glenarvan.
gpt
Tell us your plan, and we will discuss it. What do you propose?
human
I propose that we do not venture beyond the Snowy in our present destitute condition. We must wait for assistance in this very place, and this assistance can come only from the Duncan. Let us encamp here where provisions are not wanting, while one of us carries to Tom Austin the order to repair to Twofold Bay.
gpt
In the mean time, continued Ayrton,
human
Very well, Ayrton, replied Glenarvan;
gpt
If it please your lordship, I will go.
human
Let us hear your advice, major, said Lady Helena.
gpt
During the whole discussion you have contented yourself with listening simply.
human
Since you ask my opinion, answered the major,
gpt
I will give it to you very frankly. Ayrton seems to me to have spoken like a wise and prudent man, and I advocate his proposition.