human
See a whale spouting, sir? I should have thought it was getting too dark.
gpt
No, Joe; but I have just made out the sloop with the glass.
human
Nay, sir! Don't say that!
gpt
Take the glass, Joe. I am afraid it's true.
human
Oh, murther! as Pat says, groaned the sailor, as he hurriedly adjusted the glass and began to sweep the horizon in the direction Rodd pointed out, a few points on the starboard bow.
gpt
Can't see nothing, sir. Were you sure?
human
Yes, Joe; quite.
gpt
But it's getting dark too fast, sir. I can make nothing out. If you are right, though, she mayn't have seen us and may be out of sight again by morning.--Ah, I've got her!
human
There, I knew I was right, Joe.
gpt
Not quite, sir. Yes, I've got her quite plain now, but she's dying out fast. It aren't a man-of-war. It's a two-master of some kind. A big schooner or a brig. It's all right, sir. There's life in a mussel, after all. My word, though, didn't it bring my heart up into my mouth!
human
Are you sure it's not a three-master, Joe?
gpt
Sartin sure, sir. Why, you talk as frightened like as we poor lads were.
human
What vessel was it, then?
gpt
Oh, I don't know what she was, sir. I only know what she warn't. That's enough for us, eh, sir? I say, sir; what weather! Rather different to what we had in the French port. Looks settled too. Nice and cool the air feels. There, it's only fancy, but it's just as if I could sniff the land.
human
How far are we away, Joe?
gpt
Long way, sir. But I say, Mr Rodd, sir, I wouldn't say anything down below. It'd only skeer the lads and set them thinking all night.
human
But wouldn't you say anything about having seen that ship?
gpt
Oh, if you like, sir. The skipper ought to know. But I can swear she warn't a man-of-war, and that's enough for us. Oh, there is the skipper. My word, though, you can hardly see him! Curus, isn't it, how the mist begins to gather? Pretty good sign we are not so very far off the shore. Will you hail him, sir, or shall I?
human
You, Joe.