human
You seem to've got the fidgets, Bob, remarked Joe Slag, looking earnestly at his friend.
gpt
That swim has been too much for 'ee.
human
replied Bob, quickly.
gpt
What's the time now, lad?
human
And so would you be, lad, returned the coxswain, in a low voice, as he advanced his mouth to his comrade's ear,
gpt
That's awk'ard, returned Slag, with a troubled look.
human
But, I say, Bob, you've kep' this uncommon close from us all--eh? I never heerd ye was to be spliced so soon.
gpt
Of course I kep' it close, 'cos I wanted to give you an' my mates a surprise, but it strikes me I'll give some other people a surprise to-day, for there's no time to put on clean toggery.
human
You'll never manage it, said Slag, in a sympathetic tone, as he once more consulted the warming-pan.
gpt
It's gettin' on for half arter ten now, an' it takes a mortal time to rig out in them go-to-meetin' slops.
human
Do I look anything like a bridegroom as I am?
gpt
Sca'cely, replied Slag, surveying his friend with a grim smile--
human
Listen, Joe Slag, said Bob Massey, with sudden earnestness.
gpt
I've never yet come in after a rescue without seein' the boat hauled up an' made snug. `Dooty first, an' pleasure arter,' that's bin my motto, as _you_ know. But dooty lies in another direction _this_ day, so you promise to see her hauled up, an' cleaned, an' properly housed, won't you?
human
In coorse I does.
gpt
Well, then, continued Bob, in the same low, earnest tone,
human
What! exclaimed Slag, with a look of slight surprise.
gpt
Your mother! Her what's bin bed-ridden for years, an' hasn't got no legs at all-- leastwise not to speak of?
human
Just so, lad. We'll lift her in, bed an' all. Now you be off to the bow. Oars out, lads; stand by the halyards!