human
I can't liken her to anything but a wasp or a shark, said he,
gpt
Ay, she carries a sting in her tail and a devilish set of teeth. She's ugly as a shark, and as narrow and vicious as a wasp. Well, what is she?
human
She's a deuced bad sea boat, anyhow, said Frank, as the deck suddenly sloped away at a fearful angle.
gpt
Is she a yacht?
human
You've hit it first shot. She's a yacht--that's what she is--a nice pleasure-boat for ladies and children, with engines strong enough to get twenty-seven knots out of her, and steel frame like a man-o'-war. What's that you're leaning against?
gpt
A ship's boat, I suppose, covered with tarpaulin.
human
Right again, sir; that's the yacht's dinghy, fitted with velvet cushions. Take a peep.
gpt
That's the yacht's popgun, a four-inch quick-firing toy,
human
She's not a yacht, then?
gpt
Lord, how fresh you are! She's no more a yacht than a bull-terrier is a pet pug--she's a torpedo-catcher. Do you mean to say you had no suspicion when that ironclad opened fire on us last night?
human
I knew there was something dark afoot. A torpedo-catcher! Is this the _Swift_, the boat that was seized by the Customs authorities last week, on the suspicion that she had been bought for the rebel fleet at Rio de Janeiro?
gpt
The same, my boy; and seeing that you took an active part in her escape, it wouldn't be safe for you to talk about this adventure. You've committed high treason, or some offence as bad, and would to a dead certainty be drawn and quartered. Here Webster broke into another fit of laughter, ending up by smacking Frank on the back.
human
You're in the same boat as we are, and if she doesn't drown you, or roll you overboard, or knock your brains out, you may live to be shot.
gpt
Many thanks, said Frank, with an answering smile.
human
And what fate is reserved for you?
gpt
Oh, as for me, I'll die of a falling chimney. You feel better now, don't you?
human
Thanks to your cheerful predictions.
gpt
Then come and report yourself to our chief, and harkee, you'll be offered a billet as captain of the cook's galley. Take my advice, and accept it; it's comforting, sustaining, and by far the safest place in the ship.