human
Hold hard, Gillions! he said.
gpt
This youngster needn't be treated like the others, I think. Leave him to me; and addressing me he asked,
human
What is your name, my lad?
gpt
Halcro Ericson, sir,
human
Well, Ericson, tell me, how came you to be mixed up in this affair? I thought I saw you on board that coasting schooner, the Falcon, the other night. Have you turned smuggler since then?
gpt
No, sir; I was in the cave for something else. I was down seeking for Thora.
human
For Thora? What's that--some sort of birds?
gpt
Birds! No; for the lass that was lost in the snow yestreen.
human
Queer place to look for a lass, that, I must say! But how did you get there if you did not go round with Kinlay?
gpt
I climbed down the cliff, sir.
human
Come, come, none of your nonsense! said the officer.
gpt
Don't tell me you climbed down that cliff. I know it's impossible.
human
It's not impossible, I rejoined,
gpt
Well, it's to be hoped the girl was worth risking your neck for. However, as you did not find her after all, you deserve to get off, to look for her in a more likely place.
human
Off with the irons, Gillions, and put the youngster ashore when the anchor's down.
gpt
Ay, ay, sir!