human
Have I the pleasure of speaking to the Captain?
gpt
I am the Captain.
human
Ah! receive my respects. And the name of the ship?
gpt
The _Swift_--steam yacht.
human
True, she has the appearance of a pleasure-boat. You intend, perhaps, to remain here? The Island of Madeira is very lovely.
gpt
Yes, said the Captain;
human
You will be going on to Teneriffe?
gpt
Doubtless; but we require coal. You have a good supply?
human
Why not? But this small yacht would not require much for a cruise to the Canaries.
gpt
About eight hundred tons, sir, is all we require.
human
Eight hundred tons, sir? Very good. With that you could reach America, possibly Brazil. Is it not so?
gpt
Perhaps eight hundred tons is more than I require, especially as I could get more on my return,
human
I understand, sir; but that's a matter of business arrangement with a coal-merchant. You have left England recently?
gpt
Four days since.
human
Four days--carambo--a quick passage! Then, sir, perhaps you can inform me of the progress of the revolution in Brazil. Have the rebels been beaten?
gpt
I am afraid I can give you no information about Brazil.
human
And you have not heard of the escape of a torpedo-catcher from the Thames, bound for Rio to help the rebels?
gpt
You have surely been misinformed, senor. No vessel could get out of the Thames without the wish of the authorities.
human
I assure you, my Captain, the impossible has happened, and, believe me, I first supposed your boat was that same vessel. Ha! ha!
gpt
Ha! ha! what a good joke, senor!
human
Is it not? The officer who had walked forward returned, and whispered to the stout man.
gpt
But why, my Captain, do you carry a torpedo-tube and a heavy gun? Is it to shoot gulls? Ha! ha! I am afraid, Captain, you will not get your coal here, and that your visit may be prolonged to our satisfaction. You will find the island of Madeira lovely--most beautiful. In the meantime, I may introduce you to my friend Lieutenant Guilia Gobo, who will remain your guest with these soldiers.
human
My Captain, he said, with a pleased smile,
gpt
The old boy is pleased with himself, remarked Webster to Frank, who, together, had been amused spectators of the scene.
human
He euchred the Captain without trouble--an easy matter enough, by the way, in the face of that little weapon forward. Look at the skipper: dissimulation is not his _role_.
gpt
Well, sir, he said,
human
I no speak the Ingleese,
gpt
But he understands it well enough,
human
You don't speak English; perhaps you will understand that I have enough coal to take me to Teneriffe, and I will leave in an hour. Up to that time you are welcome to the run of the ship, but you will find it agree ill with your uniform.