human
Well, sir, he said,
gpt
Nothing, Joe, said the boy,
human
Very, sir, and well-manned. Look at that.
gpt
What?
human
That there boat they've lowered down, and how she's manned. She's no merchantman. Look at the way they are rowing. Why, they're like men-of-war's men, every one. I don't like the looks of she, and if the old skipper don't get overhauling her with them there eyes of his I'm a Dutchman; and that's what I ain't.
gpt
Ah, you make mountains of molehills, Joe,
human
Maybe, sir; maybe. But I suppose it's all a matter of eddication and training to keep watch. There, you see, it's always have your eyes open, night or day. For a man as goes to sea on board a man-of-war, meaning a King's ship, has to see enemies wherever they are and wherever they aren't, for even if there bean't none, a chap has to feel that there might be, and if he's let anything slip without seeing on it, why, woe betide him! There y'are, sir! Look at that there boat. You have hung about Plymouth town and seen things enough there to know as that there aren't a merchant brig.
gpt
Well, she doesn't look like a merchant's shore boat, certainly,
human
Right, sir, cried Joe Cross.
gpt
Well, then, sir, as she aren't a merchant brig's boat, and the brig herself aren't a man-of-war, perhaps you will tell me what she is? You can't, sir?
human
No, Joe.
gpt
No more can I, sir; but if we keeps our eyes open I dare say we shall see.