human
It is a bitter necessity, he said;
gpt
It is impossible, Mr Frewen. If I give orders for that hatch to be opened, there will be a rush, and even if we remain masters and beat them down, it can only be at the cost of wounding more, perhaps causing death.
human
Why not make a truce with them?
gpt
With the men it would be easy enough, but not with their leader, a scoundrel who feels that he is fighting with penal servitude before him, perhaps the halter! But, Mr Frewen, these are no times for being humane. No; that hatch shall not be opened.
human
But I will stand ready, after telling the men what I am going to do, and if they will keep away while the hatch is open there can be no rush.
gpt
I think differently, sir,
human
I agree with Mr Brymer, sir, said Mr Denning,
gpt
But you agree with me, Mr Preddle?
human
No, I don't, Mr Frewen, came in Mr Preddle's high-pitched voice.
gpt
I don't like men to suffer, but I won't give my vote for you to go down into that wild beasts' cage.
human
What do you say, fellow-prisoner?
gpt
I shall vote against Mr Frewen being allowed to go down, I said sturdily.
human
We want your help more than they do.
gpt
Bravo! my lad,
human
Well, yes; bravo! then, said the doctor, sadly.
gpt
I am beaten; I give in.
human
Thank you, Frewen, cried Mr Brymer, holding out his hand, which the doctor took frankly.
gpt
I am sorry to go against you, but you are too valuable to us here. I am sure that if I let you go down, they would not let you come up gain. Jarette is fox enough to know how your absence would weaken us, and then there is the captain; I place his life as of more value than that of a mutinous crew.
human
I'm convinced, said Mr Frewen.
gpt
My desire was to stay, but as a surgeon I couldn't stand still, knowing that my help was wanted down there.
human
You doctors are so greedy, cried Mr Preddle.
gpt
You have two patients as it is, and if we're going, on like this I'm afraid you'll soon have some more.
human
Yes, said the doctor, turning to Mr Denning,
gpt
I shall have another one. Forgive me for speaking, Mr Denning, but I think you ought to go back to your cabin now and remove your wet things.
human
You mean well, sir, said Mr Denning, courteously,
gpt
Not now, sir, said the mate.
human
I think we can manage, and if you would hold yourself in readiness to turn out if we raise an alarm that would be enough.
gpt
I am here, and I have faced so much of the storm and trouble that I will see it through now.