human
Well, sir, he said,
gpt
What's it to be, Captain Chubb? I do not quite understand you.
human
It's plain enough, sir. If I throw the schooner up in the wind we shall have a man-of-war's boat aboard us and some young officer in command in less than half-an-hour. First thing will be he'll ask for our papers, and then fall in the lads, run his eye along them, take his pick, and order the poor fellows down into the boat; and that means sending us back to port to fill up the best way we can, and perhaps not do it. On the other hand, I can make believe a bit and still keep forging on a little till the darkness comes, and then--
gpt
Yes, said the doctor;
human
Well, sir, it would go very hard if that sloop of war wasn't out of sight at daybreak to-morrow morning, and even if she wasn't I don't think she'd overtake us again.
gpt
I feel sure you are wrong, Captain Chubb, said the doctor.
human
I repeat; my papers and the grant I have had from his Majesty's Government will, I feel sure, be sufficient to protect my schooner and crew from any action in the way of pressing from one of his Majesty's ships. You will have the goodness to obey the signal, and wait and see what follows.
gpt
You mean to risk it, then, sir?
human
I mean to do my duty as a subject of his Majesty the King,
gpt
Very well, sir. I am captain of this schooner, but I am your servant, and it is my duty to obey your orders,