human
Well, look here, messmates, said Joe at last,
gpt
Ay, ay, mate; me and water, for I swallowed a lot before I got out of it.
human
Now, look here; how are you holding on?
gpt
Hanging down'ards, my lad, with my hind legs tied in a knot round a big bough; and I keep on trying to get hold of you by the scruff, but I can't quite reach.
human
Why, that's a-hinging like the bees used to do outside my old mother's skep. Well, you mustn't let go, my lad, else down you come.
gpt
Well, I know that, mate, growled the man.
human
But I say, can't you reach up to my hands?
gpt
Yah! No! growled Joe.
human
I've only got two. Can't you reach down a little further and get hold of my ears, or something?
gpt
My arms aren't spy-glasses, and they won't reach within a foot of you. Can any of you swarm out above us here?
human
No--no--no!
gpt
Oh! groaned the sailor addressed as Harry.
human
Fust time in my blessed life I ever wished I was a 'Merican monkey.
gpt
What for, mate?
human
So as to make fast round this 'ere branch with my tail.
gpt
Joe! Joe! came in a low hoarse tone.
human
Where am I!
gpt
Well, you are here, my lad; but don't let go with your teeth. Take another good fast hold, but more outside like. Keep to the wool of the jumper--if you can.
human
Hah! I recollect now. We are in the water, and I have got hold of you.
gpt
That's right, my lad, and I'd say take a good fast holt of my hair, only Ikey Gregg scissored it off so short when it turned so hot that there's nothing to hold. But can you hyste yourself up a bit higher?
human
I'll try, Joe; but the water drags at me so. But, Joe, what are you holding on to?
gpt
What they'd call a arm of the tree, sir.
human
But if I try to climb up you shan't I drag you loose?
gpt
Oh, I'm no consequence, my lad. If I'm washed off I shall get hold again somewheres. Never you mind me. There's Harry Briggs up aloft a-reaching down a couple of his hands. If you feel you've got stuff enough in you.--Take your time over it, my lad--you see if you can't swarm a bit up me and then stretch up and think you are at home trying to pick apples, till Harry gets a big grip of your wristies; and then you ought to be able to swarm up him. Now then, do you think you can try?
human
Yes, Joe; I think so, panted the boy.
gpt
That's right, my lad. I'd give you a lift, only I can't, for I'm in rotten anchorage, and we mustn't get adrift.