human
Is your lordship looking for land?
gpt
It will yet be some time before we leave the brig. We ought to have sighted Auckland light thirty-six hours ago.
human
The land is not on that side, said Captain Mangles.
gpt
Your lordship should look towards the starboard.
human
Why, John? replied Glenarvan.
gpt
It is not the land that I am seeking.
human
What is it, my lord?
gpt
My yacht, my Duncan! She must be here, in these regions, plowing these seas, in that dreadful employment of a pirate. She is here, I tell you, John, on this course between Australia and New Zealand! I have a presentiment that we shall meet her!
human
God preserve us from such a meeting, my lord!
gpt
Why, John?
human
Your lordship forgets our situation. What could we do on this brig, if the Duncan should give us chase? We could not escape.
gpt
Escape, John?
human
Yes, my lord. We should try in vain. We should be captured, at the mercy of the wretches. Ben Joyce has shown that he does not hesitate at a crime. I should sell my life dearly. We would defend ourselves to the last extremity. Well! But, then, think of Lady Helena and Mary Grant!
gpt
Poor women! murmured Glenarvan.
human
John, my heart is broken, and sometimes I feel as if despair had invaded it. It seems to me as if new calamities awaited us, as if Heaven had decreed against us! I am afraid!
gpt
You, my lord?
human
Not for myself, John, but for those whom I love, and whom you love also.
gpt
Take courage, my lord, replied the young captain.
human
We need no longer fear. The Macquarie is a poor sailer, but still she sails. Will Halley is a brutish creature; but I am here, and if the approach to the land seems to me dangerous I shall take the ship to sea again. Therefore from this quarter there is little or no danger. But as for meeting the Duncan, God preserve us, and enable us to escape!