human
Well, sir, cried Jarette,
gpt
Coming on deck?
human
Yes; those fish of yours want seeing to; I had to lift out half-a-dozen this morning with that string ladle of yours.
gpt
The little net? cried Mr Preddle, eagerly.
human
That was very good of you. How do they all seem?
gpt
As if they wanted their master to come and feed them. They all swam up to the top and put their mouths out of the water; didn't they, Hampton?
human
Ay, ay, that's so, growled Bob,
gpt
No, no, that was for fresh air. They'll all be dead soon, I'm afraid.
human
Then why don't you come and attend to 'em?
gpt
May I, Mr Jarette?
human
To be sure you may, sir. You've only got to satisfy me that you've thrown over these people here, whom I have been obliged to shut up for violence. Cast in your lot with us, and there you are, quite free; and I'll--come, I'll make you naturalist to my expedition, and one of the chief men of my island.
gpt
Naturalist to your expedition? faltered Mr Preddle, wondering at the language used by a man whom he had heretofore looked upon as a common sailor, perfectly uneducated, and ready for any amount of violence and rapine,--
human
To be sure.
gpt
But have you got an island?
human
Waiting for me to go and take it, sir; and there you can study nature at home,--just the place for gentlemen like you.
gpt
Ah, yes, that it is,
human
You'll join us then?
gpt
The weak limp wretch,
human
No, sir, you said that I was a gentleman. I am, and gentlemen cannot do such things as that.
gpt
Not take up a delightful life yonder?
human
No; the cost is too great. I should have to be false to my class, and to my companions in misfortune here.
gpt
Bah!--they are not so squeamish. They come, all of them, and are glad. You will join us?
human
No, sir, no.
gpt
But your fish--dying!
human
Poor things! It is a disappointment, sir; but I cannot do as you wish me to, even to save them.
gpt
You will not?
human
No, sir, no.
gpt
Idiot!
human
My fish--my fish--my poor little fish! muttered Mr Preddle;
gpt
Yes, he whispered,