human
It's no use to go down below. It's so stuffy, and I want to chat. I say, captain, what do you think of that brig?
gpt
Very smartly built craft indeed, my lad--one as I should like to sail if I could do as I liked.
human
Do as you liked?
gpt
Yes; alter her rig--make a schooner of her. But as she is she's as pretty a vessel as I ever see--for a brig. Frenchmen don't often turn out a boat like that.
human
What should you think she is? asked Rodd.
gpt
A merchantman?
human
No, my lad; I should say she was something of a dispatch boat, though she aren't a man-of-war. I don't quite make her out. She's got a very smart crew, and I saw two of her officers go aboard in some sort of uniform, though it was too dark to quite make it out.
gpt
But if she's a man-of-war she would carry guns, wouldn't she?
human
Well, I don't think she's a man-of-war, my lad, replied the skipper;
gpt
Yes, it is a fine-looking brig. Is she likely to be a privateer?
human
Eh? What do you know about privateers?
gpt
Oh, not much, said Rodd.
human
But going about at Plymouth and talking to the sailors, of course I used to hear something about them.
gpt
Well, yes, of course, said the skipper thoughtfully, as he too swept the drops from the front of his sou'-wester, and tried to pierce the falling rain.
human
She might be a French privateer out of work, as you may say, for their game's at an end now that the war's over. Yes, a very smart craft.
gpt
But do you think she's here for any particular purpose?
human
Yes, my lad; a very particular purpose.
gpt
Ah! cried the boy rather excitedly.
human
What?
gpt
To take care of herself and keep in harbour till the weather turns right. Why? What were you thinking?
human
I was wondering why she came in so close after us, and then anchored where she is.
gpt
Oh, I can tell you that, said the skipper, chuckling.
human
It was because she couldn't help herself.
gpt
Then you don't think she was watching us?
human
No-o! What should she want to watch us for?
gpt
Why, to take us as a prize, seeing what a beautiful little schooner it is.
human
Bah! She'd better not try, said the skipper grimly.
gpt
Why, what stuff have you got in your head, boy? We are not at war with France.
human
No-o, said Rodd thoughtfully;
gpt
No. But then, you see, my lad, even if you were right, that brig wouldn't have a chance.
human
Why, suppose she waited till we had sailed, and followed till she thought it was a good opportunity, and then her captain led his men aboard and took her?
gpt
Oh, I see, said the skipper dryly.
human
Well, my lad, as I say, she wouldn't have a chance. First, because she couldn't catch us, for give me sea room I could sail right round her.
gpt
Ah, but suppose it was a calm, and she sent her boats full of men on board to take us?
human
Well, what then?
gpt
What then? Why, wouldn't that be very awkward?
human
Very, for them, said the skipper grimly.
gpt
What would my boys be about?
human
Why, they'd be taken prisoners.
gpt
I should just like to see her try, said the skipper.
human
If the boats' crews of that brig were to get a lodgment aboard my craft, how long do you think it would take our lads to clear them off?
gpt
Oh, I am sure our crew would be very brave, but I should say that brig's got twice as many men as we have.
human
What of that?
gpt
Well, then, said Rodd argumentatively,
human
And we've got our guns, and might sink her, growled the skipper.
gpt
Look here, my lad; why did I give my lads gun drill and cutlass and pike drill, while you and the doctor were taking in your tackle and bags of tricks?
human
Why, to defend the schooner against any savages who might attack us when we are off the West Coast or among the islands.
gpt
Right, my lad. Well, as Pat would say, by the same token couldn't they just as well fight a pack of Frenchies as a tribe of niggers? Bah! You're all wrong. It's quite like enough that yon brig may have been fitted out for a privateer, though I rather think she wouldn't be fast enough. But that game's all over, and we are all going to be at peace now we have put Bony away like a wild beast in a cage and he can't do anybody any hurt. There, you needn't fidget yourself about that. All the same, I don't quite understand why a craft that isn't a man-of-war, but carries a long gun amidships and has officers in uniform aboard, should be taking refuge in this port. I dunno. She looks too smart and clean, but it might mean that she's going to the West Coast, blackbirding.
human
Ha, ha, ha! laughed Rodd.
gpt
Why, that's what you thought about us, Captain Chubb.
human
So I did; so I did, my lad, said the skipper good-humouredly.
gpt
You see, I am like other men--think I am very wise, but I do stupid things sometimes. Well, I'll be safe this time, and say I don't know what she is, and I don't much care. But I am pretty sure that she aren't after us, and I dare say, if the truth's known, she don't think we are after her. There, squint out yonder to windward. That don't look like fine weather, does it?
human
No; worse than ever!
gpt
That's so, my lad, and you may take this for certain; we shan't sail to-day, and you won't see another vessel put out to sea. Take my word for it.
human
That I will, Captain Chubb!