human
How now, what do you want? You are turning round me like a swimmer round a buoy: when are you going to leave off?
gpt
Excuse me, Captain, answered Crockston, winking,
human
I wanted to speak to you.
gpt
Speak, then.
human
Oh, it is nothing very much. I only wanted to tell you frankly that you are a good fellow at bottom.
gpt
Why at bottom?
human
At bottom and surface also.
gpt
I don't want your compliments.
human
I am not complimenting you. I shall wait to do that when you have gone to the end.
gpt
To what end?
human
To the end of your task.
gpt
Ah! I have a task to fulfil?
human
Decidedly, you have taken the young girl and myself on board; good! You have given up your cabin to Miss Halliburtt; good! You released me from the cat-o'-nine-tails; nothing could be better. You are going to take us straight to Charleston; that's delightful, but it is not all.
gpt
How not all?
human
No, certainly not, replied the latter, with a knowing look,
gpt
Well, what about that?
human
Well, the father must be rescued.
gpt
Rescue Miss Halliburtt's father?
human
Most certainly, and it is worth risking something for such a noble man and courageous citizen as he.
gpt
Master Crockston, said James Playfair, frowning,
human
I am not in the humour for your jokes, so have a care what you say.
gpt
You misunderstand me, Captain, said the American.
human
I am not joking in the least, but speaking quite seriously. What I have proposed may at first seem very absurd to you; when you have thought it over, you will see that you cannot do otherwise.
gpt
What, do you mean that I must deliver Mr. Halliburtt?
human
Just so. You can demand his release of General Beauregard, who will not refuse you.
gpt
But if he does refuse me?
human
In that case, replied Crockston, in a deliberate tone,
gpt
So, cried James Playfair, who was beginning to get angry,
human
Oh, it is but a cannon-shot more or less!
gpt
Master Crockston, said James Playfair,
human
Ah, well, I am not altogether displeased with this conversation: at any rate, the affair is broached; it will do, it will do!