human
You will remain with us, amigo mio, and we will crack many a bottle of old Madeira in a posado kept by an old man with two lovely daughters.
gpt
Thanks, senor, with pleasure, if we do not depart to-morrow.
human
To-morrow! What say you? We have a proverb that says that the wages of to-morrow mock the promise of yesterday. To-morrow you will all be our very good guests.
gpt
For my part, nothing would please me better; but our Captain has said that to-morrow he will sail, and he is a very devil--diavolo--eh?
human
You speak idly, my friend. I assure you to-morrow this ship of yours will be seized.
gpt
How so, Lieutenant? We have no quarrel with Portugal; and, moreover, there is no craft here that could overhaul us.
human
Not here at present, senor, but it is coming.
gpt
Your glass is empty, Lieutenant. Is this a British ship you speak of?--for I know none other that could capture us.
human
There are other ships than British afloat, said the officer, twirling his moustache.
gpt
The ship I speak of flies the Brazilian flag: the _Esperanza_ sloop of war, which, providentially, left Lisbon two days since, and may be here at any hour. She was advised of the escape of your boat from the Thames, and has warned us to be on the watch. Juarez is her commander, and I tell you he also is a devil. Ha! ha!
human
I perceive, said Webster, with a laugh,
gpt
Truly, mon ami, in quickness of wit, as in matters of love, we of the South are superior to you heavy islanders. But you are good comrades, nevertheless. Your health, senor.
human
I see the bottle's empty. Pardon me, Lieutenant, while I overhaul the locker.
gpt
Sir, he said, as the Captain approached,
human
How did you learn this?
gpt
From that yellow-skinned effigy on deck. The _Swift_ is to be taken to-morrow and the crew landed. It is all settled.
human
Is it? said the Captain, with a peculiar smile.
gpt
We shall see to that Hume will presently leave for the shore with two men. As soon as his boat is clear have these soldiers seized and bound. Take your measures quietly, Mr Webster, and be very careful that they do not cry out.
human
What's on foot, Captain?
gpt
We mean to have that coal, my boy, sloop or no sloop. Thunder, do they suppose I'll surrender to a sloop after defying a British cruiser! You have your orders.