human
Why, said I,
gpt
True for you, says the captain.
human
A swim of two miles spends me in pleasurin'; but I've swum eight mile to save my life, and stranded fresh as a new-hooked cod. What's your intentions, sir?
gpt
To sail the schooner home, said I,
human
Ay, as a show.
gpt
Yes, and as a coalman. Rig her modernly, and carry your forecastle deck into the head, captain, and she's a brave ship, fit for a Baltimore eye.
human
Dip, captain, dip, my lads; there's enough of this to drown ye in the hold, said I, pointing to the bowl.
gpt
Come, this is a happy meeting for me; let it be a merry one. Captain, I drink to the _Susan Tucker_.
human
Sir, your servant. Here's to your sweetheart, be she wife or maid. Bill, jump on deck and take a look round. See to the boat.
gpt
Captain, said I,
human
That's so.
gpt
Bound home?
human
Right away.
gpt
You have men enough and to spare. Lend me three of your hands to help me to the Thames, and I'll repay you thus; there should be near a hundred tons of wine and brandy, of exquisite vintage, and choice with age beyond language in the hold. Take what you will of that freight; there'll be ten times the value of your lay in your pickings, modest as you may prove. Help yourself to the clothes in the cabin and forecastle; they will turn to account. For the men you will spare, and who will volunteer to help me, this will be my undertaking: the ship and all that is in her to be sold on her arrival, and the proceeds equally divided. Shall we call it a thousand pounds apiece? Captain, she's well found: her inventory would make a list as long as you; I'd name a bigger sum, but here she is, you shall overhaul her hold and judge for yourself.
human
Shake! it's a bargain, if the men 'll jine.
gpt
I'll jine!
human
And me,
gpt
Is she tight?
human
As a bottle,
gpt
Joe Wilkinson and Washington Cromwell--them two jines, said the captain.
human
Bullies, he wants a third. Don't speak all together.
gpt
Bill
human
This is the Horn, mates, said he.
gpt
There's a deal o' water 'tween this and the Thames. How do she sail?--no man knows.
human
I want none but willing men, said I.
gpt
Americans make as good sailors as the English. What an English seaman can face any of you can. There is another negro in the boat. Will you let him step aboard, captain? He may join.
human
said the captain, filling his pannikin;
gpt
All right, massa, I'll be ob yah.
human
But how are you going to navigate this craft home with three men? said the man
gpt
Bill
human
There'll be four; we shall do. The fewer the more dollars, hey, Wilkinson?