human
Here, I want to test these, said the doctor;
gpt
Anything I can do, sir?
human
Yes, look here, captain, said the doctor, and he took a bright glass measure from where it hung by its foot in a little rack, safe from falling by the rolling of the vessel;
gpt
I was just going to test these spirits, and I thought I should like you to be here.
human
Hah! said the captain.
gpt
I've thought a deal about all them little barrels put so handy there, ready on tap, and it's the only thing I don't like, Dr Robson.
human
Why?
gpt
Why, it's just like this, sir. I have picked you out as sober a crew as ever went on a voyage, but sailors are sailors, sir, and I don't think it's right to be throwing temptation in their way.
human
But this, my workshop, where I bottle my specimens, will always be kept under lock and key.
gpt
Nay!
human
But I tell you it will, cried Uncle Paul.
gpt
Nobody will have any business here but my nephew and me.
human
That's what you mean, said the captain,
gpt
Well, said Uncle Paul, with a curious smile,
human
I have thought of that, and going to one of the little casks he turned the tap and let about a couple of tablespoonfuls of liquid that looked like filtered water flow into the little glass measure, covering the bottom to about an inch in depth.
gpt
There, said the doctor, holding up the glass to the light;
human
Nay. I don't mind a drop of good rum at the proper season, but I don't care about spirits like that.
gpt
I only want you to taste it, said the doctor.
human
It's too strong to drink.
gpt
I know, said the captain.
human
Burns like fire.
gpt
Just taste, but don't swallow it.
human
Nay--Well, I'll do that. But it looks like physic.
gpt
Why, it's pison!
human
No, said the doctor;
gpt
Don't know, said the captain.
human
Maybe they'd water it down.
gpt
Fill that measure with water, Rodd,
human
Now try it, captain,