human
Let us see what the pump tells us now, cried Roswell impatiently.
gpt
Perhaps the report may make matters better than we have dared to hope for. If the pump gains on the leak, all may yet be well.
human
It's encouraging and hearty to hear you say this; but no one who was _in_ that nip, as a body might say, can ever expect the schooner to make a run of two thousand miles without repairs. To my eye, Gar'ner, these bergs are separating, leaving us a clearer passage back to the open water.
gpt
I do believe you are right; but it seems a sad loss of time, and a great risk, to go through these mountains again, returned Roswell.
human
The wind has shifted; and the nearest bergs, from some cause or other, are slowly opening; but recollect what a mass of floe-ice there is outside. Let us sound again.
gpt
Well, what news, Gar'ner? demanded Daggett, leaning down, in a vain endeavour to perceive the almost imperceptible marks that distinguished the wet part of the rod from that which was dry.
human
Do we gain on the leak, or does the leak gain on us? God send it may be the first!
gpt
God has so sent it, sir, answered Stimson, reverently; for he was holding the lantern, having remained on board the damaged vessel by the order of his officer.
human
It is He alone, Captain Daggett, who could do this much to seamen in distress.
gpt
Then to God be thanks, as is due! If we can but keep the leak under, the schooner may yet be saved.
human
I think it may be done, Daggett, added Roswell.
gpt
That one pump has brought the water down more than two inches; and, in my judgment, the two together would clear her entirely.
human
We'll pump her till she sucks! cried Daggett.
gpt
Rig the other pump, men, and go to the work heartily.