human
How can I ever thank you, captain?
gpt
Ah, I haven't done yet, sir, said the skipper coolly.
human
This is only a try.
gpt
Oh, it's grand, cried the French lad, clinging to Rodd's arm.
human
You have saved our ship.
gpt
Don't you holloa till you are out of the wood, young fellow, said the skipper, as he heard the words.
human
Now, Mr Rodd, sir, what was it you wanted to know?
gpt
Why the water will not still rim in underneath the canvas.
human
Only because of this, my lad. Aren't they pumping the water out now as fast as ever they can?
gpt
Yes, cried Rodd;
human
Yes, my lad, and as it runs in won't the weight of the water outside push the canvas closer and closer in round the leak?
gpt
Yes, of course, cried Rodd.
human
I didn't think of that. And as there gets less inside it will seem to suck the canvas closer to.
gpt
Quite right, my lad. That's about the way it works; and now we have got to wait for about an hour before we can know whether we have got both holes covered, or only one.
human
Wait for an hour?
gpt
Well, perhaps, before we are sure; but I dare say I shall be going down and sounding the well a time or two before that.