human
Very well, I said.
gpt
I'll go with you, sir.
human
That's right, my lad, he said, laying his hand on my shoulder.
gpt
Why, Dale, you will be chief mate of some ship, young as you are, almost before I get to be captain. But we won't waste time passing compliments. What should you say if we find that the old ship is strong enough to carry us into port?
human
Oh, it is impossible,
gpt
Not so impossible perhaps after all; but we are getting near, and we'll see.
human
But suppose she is so near sinking that the addition of our weight proves to be enough to make her begin settling down?
gpt
Well, I should be greatly surprised if it did, he said with a smile.
human
But we'll be on the safe side. As soon as we mount on deck through the cabin-window, the boat shall be backed out of the way of danger, and our first task shall be to cut loose a couple of the life-buoys. Then, if the ship drags us down, we shall be sure to rise again and float.