human
It's very extr'or'nary, resumed the deacon, after ruminating on the matter for a few moments,
gpt
There would have been no seals, most likely, uncle, if there was no ice. They tell me that such creatures love the cold and the ice, and the frozen oceans. Too much warm weather would not suit them.
human
But, Mary, it might suit other folks! Gar'ner's whole ar'nd isn't among the ice, or a'ter them seals.
gpt
I do not know that I understand you, sir. Surely Roswell has gone on a sealing voyage.
human
Sartain; there's no mistake about _that_. But there may be many stopping-places in so long a road.
gpt
Do you mean, sir, that he is to use any of these stopping-places, as you call them? asked Mary, eagerly, half-breathless with her anxiety to hear all.
human
You said something about the West Indies once.
gpt
Harkee, Mary--just look out into the entry and see if the kitchen door is shut. And now come nearer to me, child, so that there may be no need of bawling what I've got to say all over Oyster Pond. There, sit down, my dear, and don't look so eager, as if you wanted to eat me, or my mind may misgive me, and then I couldn't tell you, a'ter all. Perhaps it would be best, if I was to keep my own secret.
human
Not if it has anything to do with Roswell, dear uncle; not if it has anything to do with him! You have often advised me to marry him, and I ought to know all about the man you wish me to marry.
gpt
Yes, Gar'ner will make a right good husband for any young woman, and I _do_ advise you to have him. You are my brother's da'ghter, Mary, and I give you this advice, which I should give you all the same, had you been my own child, instead of his'n.
human
Yes, sir, I know that.--But what about Roswell, and his having to stop, on his way home?
gpt
Why, you must know, Mary, that this v'y'ge came altogether out of that seaman who died among us, last year. I was kind to him, as you may remember, and helped him to many little odd comforts, --odd enough were they, of a verity,--