human
My word! the steward muttered his amazement softly.
gpt
What in hell are you running water out for?
human
It's all right, he whispered.
gpt
Don't mind me. How many have you bored?
human
All in this tier, came the whispered answer.
gpt
You will not inform on me to the . . . the others?
human
Inform? Daughtry laughed softly.
gpt
I don't mind telling you that we're playing the same game, though I don't know why you should play it. I've just finished boring all of the starboard row. Now I tell you, sir, you skin out right now, quietly, while the goin' is good. Everybody's aloft, and you won't be noticed. I'll go ahead and finish this job . . . all but enough water to last us say a dozen days.
human
I should like to talk with you . . . to explain matters,
gpt
Sure, sir, an' I don't mind sayin', sir, that I'm just plain mad curious to hear. I'll join you down in the cabin, say in ten minutes, and we can have a real gam. But anyway, whatever your game is, I'm with you. Because it happens to be my game to get quick into port, and because, sir, I have a great liking and respect for you. Now shoot along. I'll be with you inside ten minutes.
human
I like you, steward, very much,
gpt
And I like you, sir--and a damn sight more than them money-sharks aft. But we'll just postpone this. You beat it out of here, while I finish scuppering the rest of the water.