human
Here, whatcher talking about? Who is it, and what do you want?
gpt
I say, open the window, Bob, and let's have some fresh air.
human
What d'yer say?
gpt
Open the window, Bob; I'm half-stifled.
human
So'm I, my lad. Here, what's the matter? What are you doing here?
gpt
No, I said;
human
I arn't in the cabin, my lad, and you arn't in the cabin, for this arn't in it, and--Here, I say, what's up?
gpt
I don't know, I said peevishly,
human
Blest if I--Look here, my lad--There arn't anything to open anywheres, and my head won't go. Would you mind telling me where the sky-light is, for I s'pose I had too much grog last night like a fool, and I arn't werry clear in the head.
gpt
I don't know, I can't tell, Bob. It's all a puzzle.
human
And it's so plaguey dark, my lad. Wait a bit and I'll feel round with my fingers, for eyes aren't no good here.
gpt
Well, I said, for there was a good deal of rustling,
human
Chesties and casks, my lad, and we're a-lying on 'em--leastwise I am. What are we two a-lying on chesties and casks for?
gpt
I don't know, Bob. But who's that snoring so?
human
Where?
gpt
Somebody was snoring just now, but it stopped when you spoke.
human
Then I s'pose it must ha' been me, my lad. I have heard say as I could play a pretty good toon on my nose when I was very fast asleep.
gpt
No. There it goes again,
human
Oh, there's no gammon 'bout that, my lad. That there's Neb Dumlow. If ever you're anywheres and hears a sound like a vessel blowing off her steam under water, all snort and bubble, you may take your oath it's Neb Dumlow. Here, I'll stop that.
gpt
Wait a moment, Bob, I said.
human
I want to know first where we are.
gpt
So do I, my lad, but it seems to me, as my old mother used to say, that want'll be your master. I dunno, my lad; arn't dead and buried, are we?
human
Don't talk nonsense, I said peevishly.
gpt
Look here,--were you on the middle watch last night?
human
Dunno, my lad,--were you?
gpt
I can't recollect, Bob. But do try. We must be somewhere in the dark, and it's that which puzzles us.
human
Oh yes, there's no gammon about that, my lad; we're somewheres in the dark, and it's 'bout the solidest, thickest darkness I ever found myself in. Here, I'll wake up old Neb. He's very ugly and precious stoopid, but he'll tell us where we are in a jiffy. Here! Hi! Avast there! Neb!
gpt
Hullo!
human
Now, my lad, rouse up a bit.
gpt
Our watch, old man?
human
No; not yet.
gpt
Bless yer. Good-night.
human
No, no; rouse up.
gpt
Well, all right, messmate. That there's flesh and blood you've got hold on, not suit. Don't skin me.
human
Then wake up.
gpt
Well, I'm woke up. What is it? Who's dowsed the lantern?
human
I d'know. Here's Mr Dale wants you to tell him where we are.
gpt
Mr Dale?
human
Yes; I said so, didn't I, stoopid?
gpt
Course you did, matey, but what's he doing here?
human
That's what he wants you to tell him, only he wants to know first where here is.