human
Well, Billy, what sort of a night is it?
gpt
Very dark, sir; I've been looking out for some time, but can see nothing.
human
What's the matter with you? he asked.
gpt
I don't like to suppose that you were asleep, but it did look like it.
human
Oh, no, sir, answered Billy.
gpt
I never go to sleep if I can help it, at all events on duty. It is a dark night, although some time ago I know the moon was shining very brightly.
human
You must be joking, said Tom;
gpt
On my word, I cannot see that or any thing else, answered Billy.
human
It seems to me that I have not been ten minutes on deck.
gpt
I'm very sorry, but if I've been asleep I didn't know it, he said, putting out his hands instinctively before him.
human
Do you know, I'm afraid I'm blind.
gpt
I very much fear that you are, said Tom.
human
I'll send you below and you'd better turn in and have the doctor to see you in the morning; maybe that your eyes are only a little dazzled just now, and you will be all to rights by that time.
gpt
Oh, dear me! am I going to be blind all my life?
human
I hope not Billy, but Mr Rogers says that he thinks you have been struck by moon-blindness, from sleeping with your eyes open, gazing too long at Dame Luna. You would have got in a precious scrape if that had not happened. I suppose Mr Rogers won't report you now.