human
Well, square, what's in the wind now?
gpt
Bart, said the judge, in a low, cautious tone,
human
I have a job for you.
gpt
All right--I'm there! what's it, square? Anything in the old line?
human
No; this is something quite different. How long do you remain here this time?
gpt
Can't say for certain, boss. The schooner's off a-repairin' and we're tryin' the land dodge till she's ready again! no telling though, yet, when that may be.
human
Is that woman who accompanies you here likewise?
gpt
Cap'n's wife? Well, yes, square, I reckon she is. What do you want of her?
human
I want her to take charge of a young girl that you must carry off. Do you understand?
gpt
Forcible 'duction, 'saultin' and batterin.' Come, square, you're goin' it strong.
human
Speak lower, for heaven's sake! Will you undertake to do this for me?
gpt
If you make it worth while! Fork over the needful, and I'm there!
human
Money you shall have; but do you think this woman will undertake to look after the girl?
gpt
See here, square; don't say 'this woman.' Call her the cap'n's lady--sounds better. Oh, she's got nothing to do with it; she's got to mind the cap'n. Who's the gal?
human
Sh-sh! not so loud, man! Do you know the cottage on the Barrens, between Dismal Hollow and Heath Hill?
gpt
Like a book. Why, square, it's not that beauty they talk about here: Miss--Miss--danged if I don't forget the name?
human
Never mind the name--it's of no consequence. She's the girl. Do you know her?
gpt
Hain't the honor; but one of our crew, a sort of dry-water sailor, knows her; I'll bring him along, and everything will go off like a new broom.
human
You must be careful to not mention my name--not even to her; because it would be a dreadful thing for me if this were found out.
gpt
Don't be scary, square, I'll be as close as a clam at high water. When do you want us to captivate the little dear?
human
To-night--any time--the sooner the better!
gpt
Will you be on hand yourself, square?
human
No! To avoid the faintest shadow of suspicion--though such is not likely to rest on me in any case--I will start for Baltimore immediately, within the very hour, and there remain till all the hubbub her disappearance causes has passed away. You will keep her securely in your hidden cave all the time; and when the excitement has died out I will come and relieve you of your charge.
gpt
You're a brick, square--you are, by Lord Harry! What will be your next dodge, then?
human
That's as may be; most probably I shall take her with me to England. That's to be thought of yet, however; but I'll find a way, never fear.
gpt
Square, they ought to 'lect you to the Senate--dang my buttons if they oughtn't! When I get unseaworthy I'm going to set up for myself; can lie and fight, and roar at 'tagonists like a brick; and got all the other qualifications, too numerous to mention.
human
Well, that's all, I believe, said the judge, rising.
gpt
You think you will know this girl when you see her?
human
I won't--t'other one will--trust me, square; I'll go off and see him now, and him and me will take a stroll round that way.
gpt
If she could be inveigled from the house after night it would be the best time and way,
human
Leave all them particulars to me, square: I'll fix things up about the tallest. When's the needful to come?
gpt
When I return. You know me. Now, Bart, remember, to-night if you can; in three or four weeks at the furthest, I will return.