human
Er--what did you say your name was, captain?
gpt
Didn't say, said the visitor huskily.
human
Wanter know?
gpt
Well--yes, said the doctor.
human
I don't see how we are to transact business without.
gpt
Chubb, Jonathan.
human
Well, Captain Chubb?
gpt
Plymouth.
human
Oh, I see; Captain Chubb, of Plymouth,
gpt
Right. Go on.
human
Well, I gave you to understand that I wanted a ship before I engaged a captain.
gpt
Skipper; not R.N.
human
I see; but I wished to be polite,
gpt
Skipper,
human
Where have you sailed?
gpt
Everywhere.
human
Ah! Then you have had plenty of experience.
gpt
Your boy?
human
Well, yes, in a way,
gpt
Boys always are,
human
I said in _a_ way, not in _the_ way,
gpt
growled the captain.
human
A boy, the boy, means boy. What sort of a ship? First, where do you want to go?
gpt
I don't quite know myself, replied the doctor,
human
Right, said the captain.
gpt
What for?
human
Why do you ask?
gpt
Had four offers. Wouldn't take them.
human
Why?
gpt
Smuggling contraband.
human
Oh, I see, said the doctor quickly.
gpt
Well, it's nothing of that sort.
human
When do you sail?
gpt
As soon as I can get a ship.
human
Plenty lying about waiting for cargo. Take your choice.
gpt
That seems to be easier said than done, captain, for I am hard to please.
human
So'm I,