human
Paul, said Mason, sitting down and folding his arms,
gpt
What is to be done?
human
Tell me your lading,
gpt
Why, he exclaimed,
human
What's to do, then, in God's name?
gpt
I'll tell you! he exclaimed, smiling with the complacency of a man who is master of a great fancy.
human
I shall sail to Dover at once. 'Tis now a quarter past four. Give me twelve hours to make Dover: I shall post straight to London and be there by early morning. Now, Paul, attend you to this. To-day is Wednesday; by to-morrow night you must contrive to bring your ship to an anchor off Barking Level.
gpt
The Thames!
human
I own a lighter, said he:
gpt
But the chests--the chests, Mason!
human
They shall be lowered into another boat, and taken ashore and put into a waggon that will be in waiting--I in it--and driven to my home.
gpt
Nobly schemed indeed! I cried;
human
No, not low down the river and at dark. You bring up for convenience, d'ye see. Mind it is dark when you anchor. A lighter and boat shall be awaiting you. It is down the river, you know, that all the lumpers drop with the lighters they go adrift in from ships' sides. There's more safety in smuggling over Thames mud than on this coast shingle. One thought more: you say that Wilkinson believes the chests hold small-arms?
gpt
Yes.
human
Then account to him for sending the chests away separately by saying that I have found a purchaser, and that they are going to him direct. You have your cue--you see all!
gpt
All.
human
Let me hurry, then, Paul; that brandy should fetch you half a guinea a pint. You are in luck's way, Paul. See that you bring your ship along safely. Till to-morrow night!
gpt
Now, lads, off with us! he cried.
human
Off to Dover! Put me ashore there smartly and you shall find your account. Off now--time presses.