human
Eat all the breakfast you can this morning, Florrie, for it may be some time before we'll eat again.
gpt
Why, Billie, what is the matter?
human
We've traveled at cruising speed all night, he answered,
gpt
Well?
human
Did you ever hear of the _Gigantia_?
gpt
Why, of course--you mean the new liner?
human
Yes; the latest and largest steamship built. She was on her maiden passage when this boat left port, and is about due to start east again. Florrie, she carries five million in bullion, and these fellows mean to hold her up.
gpt
Goodness! exclaimed the girl.
human
You mean that they will rob her--a big steamship?
gpt
She's big enough, of course, to tuck this boat down a hatchway; but these passenger boats carry no guns except for saluting, while this boat could sink her with the armament she carries. Look at those torpedoes--eight altogether, and more below decks. Eight compartments could be flooded, and bulkheads are not reliable. But will they dare? Desperate though they are, will they dare fire on a ship full of passengers?
human
How did you learn this, Billie? It seems impossible--incredible.
gpt
Remember the gun and torpedo drill! said Denman, softly, yet excitedly.
human
Our being in these latitudes is significant. They put Casey ashore the other night and robbed the captain and me to outfit him. I overheard some of the talk. He has reached New York, secured a position as night operator in a wireless station, studied the financial news, and sent word last night that the _Gigantia_ sails at ten this morning with five million in gold.
gpt
And where do you think she is now?
human
At her dock in New York. She'll be out here late in the afternoon, I think. But, heavens, what chances!--to wait all day, while any craft that comes along may recognize this boat and notify the nearest station! Why didn't they intercept the lane route out at sea, where there is no crowd like this? I can only account for it by the shortage of stores. Yes; that's it. No sane pirate would take such risks. We've plenty of oil and water, but little food.