human
Of course it is very unpleasant for me. I'm afraid the men will not stand much more of it. Do you think he is going mad?
gpt
No; I feel sure that it is only a temporary trouble due to the heat and over-anxiety about the ship.
human
But he is getting worse; and twice over to-day I felt as if I ought to shut him up in his cabin and take charge altogether.
gpt
No, I should not do that, said Mr Frewen,
human
For the owners' sake, of course.
gpt
Of course. It is a very serious position for us both. But there, he may be better to-morrow. If not, we must hope for the improvement when we get further south.
human
Then you would not take command?
gpt
Certainly not, under the present circumstances.
human
Halloa! cried Mr Brymer--
gpt
No, sir; it is I.
human
And what are you doing there, listening?
gpt
I was watching the phosphorescence of the sea, sir, and you came and stood close to me and began talking.
human
And you heard?
gpt
Every word, sir.
human
And do you know that we were talking about Mr Denning?
gpt
No; you were talking about the captain.
human
Look here, Dale, he said,
gpt
I thought he was very strange, and a bit cross sometimes.
human
Far worse than that. Look here, Dale, if you go chattering about what you have heard, said Mr Brymer,
gpt
I am not likely to talk about it to anybody unless it be to Mr Denning,
human
Then pray don't mention it to him. It would only make him and his sister uneasy,
gpt
I'm afraid they've seen enough for themselves, said Mr Brymer.
human
Look here, youngster, I shall speak plainly to you, because you are a sensible lad. If you spoke about what we have said, and it reached Captain Berriman's ear now he is in that excitable state, he would immediately think I was conspiring against him, go frantic, and there might be terrible mischief. So don't say a word, even to your messmate, or he'll go chattering to that French scoundrel and the rest of the men. By the way, Dale, let me give you a word of advice. I don't like the way in which young Walters is going on. It is not becoming for a midshipman or apprentice to make friends too readily with the sailors. Don't you follow his example.
gpt
I don't sir,
human
Softly, my lad; I've seen you talking a good deal with that old fellow Hampton, and the two men with him.
gpt
Oh yes; I have talked to them a good deal, I said:
human
Ah, well, be careful, my lad. Here, shake hands. I'm not cross with you, for you have behaved uncommonly well since you've been on board. There, that will do.
gpt
Good-night, Dale, said Mr Frewen, kindly;